Funds intended to support projects that protect housing and improve everyday services
Federal funds are flowing into Guelph, courtesy of a $9.41 million grant intended to help cover the cost of replacing city infrastructure needed to protect the existing housing supply and improve everyday services.
“As Guelph approaches its bicentennial, much of our critical infrastructure will need to be renewed in the coming years to continue providing high-quality resilient services to Guelph,” Mayor Cam Guthrie said in a post on the city’s website announcing the funds. “Stable, predictable funding like the Canada Community-Building Fund helps us plan ahead and reduces pressure on taxpayers.”
The city’s bicentennial, in 2027, is the 200th anniversary of the settlement of the land known as Guelph.
These new federal dollars are to be spent on roads, trails and parks, among other things, as municipal officials prepare to see the local population grow to nearly 208,000 people and 116,000 jobs by 2051.
“As a former Guelph city councillor, I know how critical predictable, formula-based federal funding is to support affordability, growth and a high quality of life for Canadians, and look forward to advancing investments in Guelph in Parliament,” MP Dominique O’Rourke said in the release.
In the past, city officials have used CCBF funds to help pay for multi-year infrastructure renewal projects that support housing and sustainability, such as bridge rehabilitation, road reconstruction and the creation of active transportation networks.