By Charlene Tebbutt

Community funding

Federal funding for asset management review

Feb 14, 2019 | 5:08 PM

Two local communities have received federal funding to develop asset management plans, looking at what local amenities are available and what might need to be fixed or replaced.

The Village of St. Louis and the Town of Birch Hills both received money this month to develop the plans. The two community projects are among 42 across Canada to be approved through two federal programs, the Green Municipal Fund and the Municipal Asset Management Program.

St. Louis was approved for $23,200 in funding. Mayor Marc Caron said local councillors started preliminary work on the new asset plan and hired an engineering firm to help complete the study. As infrastructure ages, Caron said it is important to plan for upgrades and replacements in the community of about 450 people.

“We’ve kind of discussed what priorities we have as a council, for the community and the future, and we’re also planning on doing a community meeting,” Caron told paNOW. “Infrastructure always ages, our water pipes are quite old, our water system is quite old.

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“It’s very important that we plan ahead for the future generations, or even 20 years down the road, it’s important that we have the funding there so we don’t have to be in a critical situation.”

Under new government legislation, every community must undertake a review of local buildings and municipal assets, including water and sewer, buildings and machinery. The plans are meant to be a guide to help communities in determining how future maintenance and infrastructure dollars should be spent.

The Town of Birch Hills is getting $50,000 to develop their new plan. Town Adminstrator Tara Gariepy said water mains in the town are aging and the town will also be putting some money toward improvements at the water treatment plant as well.

“In the long run, it will be really beneficial for long-term planning,” Gariepy said of the planning.

Both communities will be working with engineers from the firm Catterall & Wright as they review local assets.

(Photo: File photo/paNOW Staff)

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Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt