Amherstburg Banking On Major Grant Dollars to Transform Town
A plan is in the works to transform Amherstburg in a big way.
The $50-million 'Amherstburg Great Spaces, Great Places' project would see major improvements along the town's waterfront, more amenities at the Libro Centre and gardens, greenhouses and trails added to the Belle Vue House restoration effort.
The federal and provincial governments have made $727-million available through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program with municipalities only responsible for 27% of project costs which, in this case, would be $13.5-million.
Mayor Aldo DiCarlo says this is a rare opportunity to secure 27-cent dollars.
"We would be addressing just about every wish list we've had in the last few years. Will there be a cost on the tax base? Absolutely, it's inevitable. If you had to do any of these projects on your own the cost would be a couple million shy of the entire project."
DiCarlo says every part of the project comes from resident demands.
"There's going to be some picking and choosing for residents in there. Sure, they won't all like everything, but what I think no one can dispute is that everything is in there and, altogether, I think it would put Amherstburg on a whole 'nother level and kind of complete our long-term visions that we've been talking about for the last few years."
Amherstburg mayor Aldo DiCarlo (right) and CAO John Miceli (left) seen on October 28, 2019 (Photo by AM800's Zander Broeckel)
The plan includes an $11.5-million waterfront civic plaza and marina as well as $25.2-million in improvements to the Libro Centre including an indoor pool, events plaza and outdoor trail system.
DiCarlo says it's an impressive plan.
"When the CAO brought it to my attention, as a politician, I was speechless, which I think speaks for itself, especially for anybody that knows me. There will be short-term pain, but 10 or 15 years down the road people will be looking back and saying this was worth it. I think that's why you make decisions like this."
CAO John Miceli says they're bringing a unique proposal to the table.
"We're talking about dealing with our active transportation. We're talking about dealing with the waterfront. We're talking about dealing with the Belle Vue House. We're talking about creating a further centre of excellence at the Libro Centre, something that no one else has. And we're connecting nature to all of it."
Miceli says this truly is a monumental project.
"I don't think anyone else that I've talked to is looking at it in the same way. The reality of a municipality being able to achieve all of that with all the competing pressures, with all the competing pressures that we have, would be difficult. It would be monumental for our citizens to receive all these amenities."
Slides from 'Amherstburg Great Spaces Great Places' presentation made to council on October 28, 2019 (Photo by AM800's Zander Broeckel)
If approved, Miceli says the town would pay its $13.5-million share of the project over a seven year period to avoid hitting taxpayers too hard.
Successful applicants are expected to be announced in the spring of 2020.
The entire 'Amherstburg Great Spaces, Great Places' proposal can be found at talktheburg.ca.