DRYDEN – The busy downtown Duke Street roadway needs repair, and Mayor Jack Harrison is glad the Ontario government is providing money for that work.
“It’s one of the highest usage roads in our downtown area,” Harrison said Friday after the province announced funding of up to $3 million for reconstruction of Duke Street between Casimir Avenue and Earl Avenue.
“Most people going to the mill or to the hospital travel that section of the road and it connects us east-west through our downtown core.
“And this funding is important because not only will we repair the pavement, sidewalks and curbs, but the city itself will be utilizing our own funds to do the underground sewer and water repair/replacement (below the roadway).
“It's important to renew that whole section not just above ground but below ground as well.”
The provincial funding is through the Connecting Links program, which helps maintain vital roads and bridges that connect people to workplaces, support the movement of goods and drive economic growth in rural and northern communities.
“Families in the Northwest deserve safe and reliable roadways — whether it’s getting to work, taking their kids to school, or making sure local businesses can move their products,” MPP Greg Rickford is quoted as saying in a news release.
“Through the Connecting Links program, our government is making targeted investments to ensure municipal partners … have the tools they need to succeed in strengthening these local corridors,” said Rickford, whose Kenora–Rainy River riding includes Dryden.
“This funding is extremely important as it aids in the ongoing efforts as a city to replace aging infrastructure in Dryden,” Harrison said. “We really appreciate Premier (Doug) Ford’s government partnering with us on this vital work.”
In addition to the funding for Dryden, Rickford’s office announced $2.5 million for reconstruction of Scott Street between Mosher Avenue and Armit Avenue in Fort Frances.
