Espanola council held an in-depth discussion about the Connecting Link Phase Five project, which would see 360 metres of highway from Foucault Drive to Kei Will Drive upgraded in the south end of town.
Environmental Services and Special Project Manager Joel Yusko says the application process for the provincial grant is now underway with an estimated cost of $1.6 million and the town portion coming in at just over $200,000.
He adds the project is largely a road base and asphalt project with no water or sewer work involved and is expected to take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete.
Councillor Ken Duplessis raised concerns about the approaching 2025 budget deliberations and how the capital project would affect taxpayers.
CAO Joseph Burke said it must come back to the council for tendering and final approval as well as a decision on how to cover the local portion, either through a tax levy or from reserves.
Most of the council supported applying for the grant and if approved, they still have the opportunity to say yes or no to the project depending on the final budget.
In the end, the council agreed to apply for the grant and will make the capital project part of their budget deliberations.
If it is approved, the work could begin in 2025, but the town has the option of carrying it out in 2026.
