SuperBuild

Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman is experiencing a sense of déjà vu as the much-heralded SuperBuild program kicks into high gear in 2002.

SuperBuild is a multi-faceted support program that allows municipalities to improve their infrastructure especially in the area of water and sewage services, projects that increase safety or provide better access to the disabled, or improve tourism, cultural and recreational facilities.

Under the program that also increases economic activity and produces jobs, the provincial government provides one-third funding support for eligible costs of approved projects. The federal government reviews the projects and decides whether or not to contribute one-third. Municipalities that may engage partnerships such as fund-raising campaigns to augment the projects provide athe remaining third.

In many respects, SuperBuild bears a striking resemblance to another initiative that produced similar results in the 1970s _ the Neighbourhood Improvement Program (NIP).

Runciman, then a member of Brockville's city council saw NIP as somewhat of a "Golden Goose" _ an opportunity to carry out much-needed but not always high priority projects in the downtown core. He lauded the program and convinced city council to take full advantage even if it put a temporary strain of local finances.

During the course of the NIP programs, there were countless infrastructure programs in the downtown core including the replacement of underground infrastructure and the creation of a number of downtown park/playgrounds that are still popular among neighbourhood children. NIP also led to creation of the Brockville Museum.

Runciman was right in assessing the need to forge ahead with as many projects as possible because it has been almost a quarter of a century since this type of funding support has evolved again.

"I am really pleased that a number of extremely important projects are going to move forward in 2002," said Runciman. "A number of municipalities in Leeds-Grenville are anxious to take advantage of this program and there are going to be some major announcements in the next few weeks."

Projects involving improving drinking water quality and dealing with sewage treatment issues are the top priority under SuperBuild's Ontario Small Town and Rural Partnership (OTAR) program administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Another facet of the program is projects designed to enhance sports, cultural and tourism facilities and falls under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

Last week, Runciman announced a provincial grant of $84,133 towards the $252,000 cost of a study to prepare for the construction of a modern sewage treatment facility in Prescott. The new facility is expected to cost about $17 million.

"A modern plant offering secondary sewage treatment will help protect the environment and will also provide the infrastructure required for more industrial and commercial development," said Runciman. The neighbouring townships of Augusta and Edwardsburgh-Cardinal have been invited to become partners in the study because access to a modern sewage treatment facility could provide them with major benefits also.

In December, Tim Hudak, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced four other programs that will receive two-thirds funding.
There were:
Westport ($153,000) _ Phase two of the arena reconstruction program including installation of CO deflectors, a new compressor, upgrade of the refrigeration room, and other areas to meet safety code standards.
Gananoque ($100,000) _ Covers the installation of an elevator at the Community Centre allowing access to the disabled.
Edwardsburgh-Cardinal ($60,645) _ Provides for the installation of new protective Plexiglas around the ice surface of the Community Centre in Cardinal.
Leeds and Thousand Islands ($96,921) _ Covers the repair and replacement of playground equipment at three municipal parks to meet CSA standards.

Seven other projects in Leeds-Grenville have received provincial support and are being considered by the federal government for approval. The include projects covering improved water treatment systems, replacement of a bridge, and a major recreation/cultural complex. Announcements on these projects are expected soon.