MEDIA RELEASE - December 10, 2009
Mayor Randy Hope and Ward 3 Councillors Jim Brown and Steve Pinsonneault today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of infrastructure improvements in the business district of the community of Ridgetown along Main Street and Erie Street South.
The three month 2009 project consisted of new sidewalks, curbs, road, street lights, and traffic signals to enhance accessibility and support use by pedestrians and vehicles. This work followed the completion of water main and storm sewer work in 2008. The approximately $2.1 million in funding for both years was part of the municipality’s lifecycle infrastructure budget.
“The Community Strategic Plan has new infrastructure and the maintenance and enhancement of existing infrastructure as major priorities,” said Mayor Randy Hope. “Good infrastructure is one of the essential ingredients in promoting smart and sustainable economic growth in Chatham-Kent.”
“It has been a bit of an inconvenience, but the local merchants knew that the final outcome would be well worth the headaches,” said Ward 3 Councillor Jim Brown. “We were very pleased by the extra care Henry Heyink Construction and municipal workers used to minimize disruption to business. Now we have a bright, vibrant main street and we are already seeing new business enquiries and start-ups.”
“I heard nothing but good about both contractors and municipal workers,” added Ward 3 Councillor Steve Pinsonneault. “They made sure the site was clean and functional. This is such a positive project… a clean, attractive main street is essential in attracting visitors and new investment. We are now much better positioned to build the long-term prosperity of our community.”
The ceremony, followed by coffee and cookies, was attended by local residents, including members of the downtown business community.
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General media contact:
Brian Worrall, Communications Officer, Chief Administrative Office, Municipality of Chatham-Kent Tel: 519.360.1998 Cell: 519.355.4060 Fax: 519.436.3237 E-mail: brianw@chatham-kent.ca