Council eyes $2.46 million in new projects

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Rainy River Town Council held a special meeting Monday evening to deal with grant applications.
The largest application was for a $2 million project to do 620 metres of water line and 330 m. of sewer line on First St.
The second application was for a $420,000 project to make energy efficient renovations to the Town Garage and Fire Hall.
The third was for $45,000 to make energy efficient renovations to the seniors drop-in centre in the old CNR station.
Mayor Deb Ewald said that these are only applications at this time and that if approved the taxpayers may have to come up with 1/3 of the cost. However, she noted that council is working to keep those costs to a minimal.
When asked why council would apply for another $2 million project when it has two already underway the Mayor said, "We are trying to be proactive for the town and do not know how long the funding will be available."
Councillor Brent Anderson noted that the motions passed Monday were only to apply for the funding. If all are approved then council will have look at where the funding will come from locally.
Corey Dyck, who was recording the minutes, noted that Town Clerk Veldron Vogan is submitting a letter of hardship and that if approved the town's 1/3 share could be reduced.
The sewer/water project application was made to the Build Canada Fund.
The other two are going to the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
This summer council plans to complete the new sewer lagoon and lift station project and hopes to undertake the replacing of sewer and water lines from Tower Road to First St. on Highway 11.