SAULT STE. MARIE -- Some small northern Ontario communities will be seeing some big repairs and improvements to airports, bridges and local roads after the federal and provincial government announced new infrastructure funding.

The federal government said it will be spending $23 million while the provincial government will be pitching in $12 million for the northern upgrades.

Airports in Gore Bay, on Manitoulin Island, and Hornepayne, north of Wawa, will receive funding to help build new airport terminals. An expansion of a secondary runway is also in the cards as a result of the funding.

Some of the communities that will see road improvements include: Chapple, Wawa, Thessalon, Smooth Rock Falls, Sheshegwaning First Nation, White River, Nairn and Hyman.

Larid and Kapuskasing will receive funding to pay for bridge repairs and replacement.

In total, 12 different projects will benefit from the funding announcement. 

Project Name

Location

Project Details

Federal Funding

Provincial Funding

Municipal
/Other Funding

Rehabilitation of Off Lake Road Culvert

Chapple

Rehabilitation includes upgrading and reinforcing the existing concrete and installing traffic barriers. This will increase residents' safety and reduce asset failure and service interruptions, extending the culvert's lifespan.

$213,696

$118,708

$55,228

Atikokan Resurfacing and Curbing Project

Atikokan

Road resurfacing, drainage improvements and new curbing of main roads will increase motorist safety, improve the flow of traffic.

$2,997,491

$1,665,106

$333,221

Lakeview Bridge Replacement

Laird

Replacing the bridge with a new, single-span structure with safety guiderails will improve safety and reliability for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. It will also decrease the risk of flooding and lower operation and maintenance costs.

$1,199,220

$666,167

$359,253

Rehabilitation of the Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport

Gore Bay

Upgrades to the airport will include a new air terminal, helipad, expansion of the secondary runway, and enhancements to security and wildlife fencing. This project will improve passenger safety and security, emergency responses and the flow of traffic.

$2,549,982

$1,416,515

$283,473

Improvements to Two Roads in Sheshegwaning First Nation

Sheshegwaning First Nation

Realigning and upgrading roads will improve public safety, reduce road maintenance costs, and offer motorists more reliable roads.

$816,750

$199,614

$132,636

Reconstruction of Roads Wawa School Zone

Wawa

Reconstructing nine roads around the Wawa school zone will include repair and replacement of curbs, sidewalks, ramps and gutters. The project will also add pedestrian crossings and bike lanes. These upgrades will improve safety and reliability, support better traffic flow, and facilitate active transportation.

$2,729,798

$1,516,403

$796,343

Refurbishment of the Hornepayne Airport Runway and Terminal

Hornepayne

Refurbishing the airport's runway will include repaving, replacing runway lighting with an LED system, and installing a new fuel tank and pumping system. This will improve the safety and reliability for passengers, reduce service interruptions and extend the runway's lifespan.

$2,907,908

$1,615,343

$323,262

Rehabilitation of Two Bridges on Kapuskasing River

Kapuskasing

Rehabilitating the East and West bridges by repairing, replacing and waterproofing various sections will improve safety and reliability, reduce service interruptions for commuters, and ensure accessibility to essential services for neighbouring communities.

$2,258,820

$1,505,729

$753,091

Reconstruction of Lakeside Drive

Thessalon

The project will improve road safety and reliability, facilitate active transportation, improve traffic flow, reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of the roadway. 

$1,687,500

$937,406

$187,594

Reconstruction of Old Nairn Road

Nairn and Hyman

Widening and resurfacing a portion of Old Nairn Road, including replacing culverts, will improve safety and security for motorists and pedestrians.

$2,088,834

$1,160,347

$643,646

Rehabilitation of Lyndale Road and Black's Trail

White River

Rehabilitating a portion of municipal roadways, which includes replacing the road base, resurfacing, intersection improvements and replacing cross culverts, will contribute to improved and more reliable road infrastructure for motorists.

$940,500

$521,978

$105,023

Rehabilitation of Main Street, Dupont Street and Kelly Road

Smooth Rock Falls

Rehabilitating Main Street, Dupont Street and Kelly Road, including repaving sections of roads, new curbs, gutters and sidewalks. The project will also include landscaping of the boulevard, and improvements to intersections, sidewalk ramps and ditching. This will result in better, more reliable roads.

$3,000,000

$1,666,500

$1,547,237