Article Summary

Kalvin Reid, “Road, water infrastructure needs $115 million in repairs,” St. Catharines Standard.

A report prepared by BDO Dunwoody and Associates for HCARN, which concludes that the region’s road and water infrastructure requires a $115 million update, mirrors a report brought forward by the Niagara Region public works staff last year, but Thorold Mayor Robin Davidson says the money doesn’t exist within the tax base, the region’s only source of revenue.

BDO Dunwoody senior consultant Mark Hudson notes an Ontario auditor’s report indicates 60% of Ontario roads are substandard or poor. A $47.2 million investment in the region’s roads and a $67.7 million for water are needed to update the system. The report was completed last spring but its release delayed by the Walkerton tragedy.

BDO senior vice-president George Barkwell urges the public to participate in creative revenue strategies like municipal income or gas taxes, or increased development charges and user fees. However, some of these strategies go beyond municipal taxing powers, and St. Catharines regional councillor Brian McMullan says since 40% of the provinces GDP passes through the region, federal and provincial governments must help out.

Public works director Ian Neville says the Region will be looking at its infrastructure.