By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini was accompanied by Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure Laurie Scott in the Victoria Hall foyer Monday, as he announced the province's investment of $1,244,096 in the replacement of the culvert at King Street West.
It's a project whose estimated cost is $1,492,975, Cobourg Mayor John Henderson noted.
“We could not be happier.”
Scott said that this is part of an infrastructure investment of some $144-billion made in April's budget to be rolled out over 10 years.
The millions of dollars worth of infrastructure announcements he has made around the riding has shored up an important resource, Piccini said.
“It helps us get to work, it helps agricultural goods get to market, it helps people get around,” he said.
“It helps you connect people, it helps you connect places, it helps you connect things as we go to market.”
In this case, however, it's importance is critical. More than 70 households form the growing community at the western terminus of King Street, living in a pocket of development that has no other access except on that one road.
Henderson said that area is known locally as the Pebble Beach Drive community. As you drive west on King Street West, you will cross a culvert under the road between Burnham Street and Tracey Road. It's a culvert the mayor noted that has not been replaced at least during his 38 years in Cobourg.
Should the culvert be compromised and the road collapse, Councillor Brian Darling pointed out, there is no way in or out for the west-end residents – and no access for emergency-response services called to that community.
The project will ensure a culvert up to current standards of safety and sustainability will be installed to ensure continued access into and out of that west-end neighbourhood on the only access road it has.
“We are committed to ensuring we have the modern infrastructure this community needs,” Piccini stated.
“I want to make sure we are competitive and we have the infrastructure we need to keep up with this rapidly growing economy.”
“It can only boost our local economy and improve our quality of life,” the mayor commented.
