Saugeen Shores council is going to take another crack at securing provincial funding through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund.
Council will apply to the fund for 90-percent funding of the $1.3-million estimated cost of replacing the 25-year old Port Elgin water tower, even though the municipality has been repeatedly denied funding through the OCIF fund in the past.
Director of Public Works Stuart Doyle says the province turned down past applications for storm sewer work on Bruce St. in Port Elgin, citing the municipality's high property assessment values and income level as not meeting the financial criteria compared to similar municipalities.
Doyle says he's not sure if the water tower project increases the odds of being approved, but it's worth a shot.
"Our financial situation has precluded us from funding opportunities, so we're not saying this gives us a better opportunity, we're just changing it up a bit and we're going at another need that is crucial for this municipality to operate," says Doyle.
Councillor Neil Menage suggests the funding application is an opportunity to turn the water tower into a tourist attraction by building a viewing platform atop the tower.
"This would give us a good sightseeing view and opportunity for astronomers, better communication, for photographers, for birders. That's just my initial list, I'm sure the list could grow," says Menage.
