CAO Malcolm Morris shared several updates with council during Smiths Falls’ Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday evening. 

The tender for Phase 2 of the Beckwith Street Revitalization was issued on Monday, and it will close on September 22. This gives just one month for applicants to submit their bids. 

“We have an aggressive timetable,” acknowledged CAO Morris, “and expect to bring recommendations to council by October 4.  The town is hoping to see construction of Phase 2 begin this fall, and continue through winter as much as possible.

CAO Morris also presented council with a request for their direction on applying for a grant with the Investment In Canada Infrastructure Program – Green Stream. The Green Stream funding program provides funding for critical drinking water assets including water storage facilities. The maximum funding for any single project will be $5 million.

Smiths Falls water tower is due for replacement (and had originally been slated for replacement in 2019/2020). A new water tower “elevated water storage solution” was proposed to be built at Air Care Drive. This project is estimated to cost $8.5 million. Smiths Falls would be responsible for the remaining $3.5 million.

Council was in full support of staff applying for this funding.

Article by Janelle Labelle