Somerset Ward will be receiving a portion of the city’s infrastructure stimulus fund to finance the lighting of the Chinatown arch and could receive more if the federal and provincial governments approve an extension on the fund.
Currently, the fund must be used by March 31, 2011. The city is requesting an extension to Dec. 31, 2011.
Projects that will be completed in Somerset Ward if an extension is given include increasing the number of bike racks, improving cycling facilities in the Wellington to Portage corridor, the renewal of a play structure at McCann Park, the replacement of 40 decorative lights in Chinatown and the replacement of two Ottawa Community Housing elevators at 379 Gilmour St.
In conjunction with the stimulus fund, Somerset Ward Coun. Diane Holmes made two motions at Tuesday’s city council meeting requesting funding for two separate issues: the completion of the Chinatown gateway project and Ottawa Community Housing.
Holmes requested $54,000 from the city towards the completion of the Chinatown gateway project because the construction contract is $200,000 higher than originally budgeted for, according to the motion.
Currently, the City of Ottawa has contributed $236,000 to the project while the Somerset Street Chinatown BIA has invested $400,000 to date. The City of Beijing has contributed $300,000 in material, transportation and Chinese artisan experience.
The motion was passed, despite opposition from three city councillors.
Holmes’ second motion regarding Ottawa Community Housing passed unanimously. She said she initially asked that $300,000 be provided from the stimulus fund to replace an elevator in special needs housing at 379 Gilmour St., but was told that project wouldn’t qualify because it can’t completed by the March 31, 2011 deadline.
So rather than receive funding from the stimulus fund, she requested that the city ask the federal and provincial governments for funding.
“One of the greatest investments you can make to stimulate the economy is in housing, using local labour and local products,” said Coun. Alex Cullen, who represents Bay Ward. “We have a severe deficit that we’ve inherited from other levels of government in terms of maintenance for this publically owned housing. It houses some 40,000 or 50,000 people and we have to make sure that is adequate housing.”