Niagara region to keep asking for fed and provincial help for water treatment plant
There's a sense of urgency at the Niagara region's public works committee to keep pressing federal and provincial help for a new South Niagara water treatment plant, construction planned to start in 2027.
Mayor Terry Ugulini said without the plant development would be shut down in Niagara, Mayor Mat Siscoe expressed similar concern.
Councillor Joyce Morocco spoke to the feds and province. "You want us to build houses, we've got permits sitting and waiting for builders to develop, but we can't because we don't have the infrastructure. So, you want us to do this, but at the same time you don't want to provide us the funds to help us do what you're asking us to do, which is really a challenge."
Mayor Siscoe said without extra help, they'll really have to decide how to prioritize infrastructure.
He also says he's spoken to provincial officials, who advise the region to come up with a better plan.
Siscoe wondered about other options, to which the region's CAO Ron Tripp pointed to water rates or development charges. "I'd suggest given our infrastructure challenges that we have, that's a tough sell, and probably not going to happen. Historically, there has been infrastructure funding programs, we would just keep at it. We're not at an urgent point, in terms that the design has not been completely yet."
Chair Jim Bradley added Niagara is one of many municipalities looking for help.
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