County roads hurting for repairs

Eastern Ontario is running up a growing deficit in meeting its roads needs, according to the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC).

Renfrew County Warden Janice Visneskie told the January meeting of Renfrew County Council that it will take $2.26 billion to do the required repairs and upgrades to roads in the 13 counties making up the EOWC area.

"Of this, $616 million are 'now' needs," said Ms. Visneskie. "Construction spending it 2006 was $139 million, leaving a deficit of $477 million."

In a pre-budget submission prepared for presentation to the Hon. Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, the wardens called for ongoing, permanent funding for rural roads and bridges. They are also requesting that the transfer of federal gas tax revenues be made permanent, and that the federal government establish sustained funding of at least the equivalent value generated nationally by one per cent of the GST to be shared with municipal governments to support the rehabilitation and replacement of local infrastructure. Other requests include: high-speed Internet service for the 66 per cent of Eastern Ontario which remains unserviced or underserviced; a long-term program to address the replacement needs of existing affordable housing and construction of new units; making the Eastern Ontario Development Program permanent and increasing funding to $20 million annually; pursuing an agreement between the federal government and railway companies to make necessary improvements to the freight and passenger infrastructure across Eastern Ontario; that the federal government continue to retain responsibility for the operation of upgrading of the Trent Severn waterway; that the federal government join with the EOWC to undertake an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities that exist with the five deep water ports in Eastern Ontario. The ports are located in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (two), and one each in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Addington County, and Prince Edward County.

Bonnechere Valley mayor Zig Mintha noted that twinning of Highway 17 west of Arnprior is not in the submission.

"It's not something we can add in," said Warden Visneskie. "Also, we are the only county affected by this."

Petawawa mayor Bob Sweet said the EOWC could also have a role in supporting the Heritage River designation for the Ottawa River.

"This is stalled at the federal level," he said. "This would be a huge economic development tool."

North Algona Wilberforce Mayor Harold Weckworth pointed out that there is no mention of agriculture in the recommendations.

"Cattle prices are at an all-time low," he said. "Is there any way the caucus could look at making farming more sustainable and viable?"