March 25, 2015
1174
Kincardine council has been granted no extension on the multi-million-dollar Inverhuron water and sewer project.
In March, 2009, the project received two-thirds funding from the provincial and federal governments though the Building Canada Fund - Communities Component.
Following a lengthy Environmental Assessment process, the project was finally granted approval in December, 2014, by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change.
Given the fact that the approvals process took so long, council applied for an extension beyond the March, 2016, deadline.
However, in a letter to chief building official Michele Barr, dated March 23, the Building Canada Fund oversight committee has turned down the extension.
"The oversight committee has reviewed your request and recognizes the many challenging circumstances your project has faced. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to accept an extension under the Building Canada Fund - Communities Component program. We have asked staff to continue to work with you in exploring options to manage your project within the program timelines."
Clerk Donna MacDougall said that council is aware of the letter from the oversight committee and its decision.
"Council, as a group, has not discussed this," she said. "I am certain it will form part of the dialogue at upcoming council meetings on this matter. The municipality can still proceed with the project. We just have to have it all complete by March, 2016, to meet the program's requirements."
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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