Mayor Amy Martin and Council welcomed media today at the County Administration Building to discuss what is being called a historic amount of funding from the Provincial Government. Norfolk County has secured $16.5 million from Ontario’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in Port Dover. Mayor Martin had this to say about why it’s historic.
This is the largest provincial transfer payment in the county’s history. The project, anticipated to cost $34-36 million, will benefit all residents who receive a water bill with wastewater charges. The county will avoid taking on debt in the amount of the transfer payment, after which interest additions is projected to be $24 million in savings. As a result, taxpayers can expect smaller increases in water bills in 2027.
Mayor Martin and present council emphasized that this funding will positively impact residents’ lives, crediting recent Minister visits and events like AMO for securing the funds. Building and rebuilding relationships with the province is a priority.
Councillor VanPaassen, Duthie and Veri added that efforts have been made to have the province recognize that rural resources are not the same as urban centers. As well as educate that Norfolk County is a single tier government with many responsibilities. Adding that anytime Norfolk can get funding for a successful project is a good thing and helps lead to other successful projects. Councillor VanPaassen had a metaphor for how persistence and work advocating for Norfolk will yield results.
A former Mayor once expressed their frustration with the neglect of Norfolk by showing the province a picture of a sh-t sandwich. The question was asked: what sort of sandwich has the government served this time around? After a long moment of thought the mayor responded with “a picnic”.
Written by Jeremy Hall