Funding for landfill projects in Killarney, French River

Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré announced funding Friday for two landfill improvement projects for Killarney and French River.

The communities, both located south of Greater Sudbury, are benefiting from joint funding from the federal government and through the province's Small Communities Fund.

“Canada and Ontario will each provide up to $276,512 to the Killarney landfill leachate collection and treatment system and up to $250,328 to the Noelville landfill improvement project,” Serré announced in a news release.

The Killarney landfill project will see the installation of systems to collect and treat environmentally harmful liquids and the expansion of the landfill site. Upgrades will include a new collection piping system and treatment lagoon within the wetland. Once complete, the projects will help mitigate adverse environmental impacts due to waste disposal in the area.

Improvements to the Noelville landfill will include the installation of a litter fence and automated gate systems. Topsoil will cover filled areas and a row of trees will be planted to help contain waste within the site. A storm water management pond will also be built to help reduce the risk of flooding.

“Our government will deliver real change to communities across Canada. We made a strong commitment to provide provinces, territories and municipalities with the support they need to maintain, restore and build public infrastructure,” Serré is quoted as saying in the release.

“Going forward, our government will support public infrastructure that contributes to the quality of life of all Canadians.”

“This is vital work in these communities,” Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault said in the release. “Our provincial government is committed to supporting residents across the north with improvements to infrastructure.

“As a frequent visitor to both Killarney and the French River every year, I’m pleased to see important upgrades taking place.”

The projects are two of 13 announced Friday in Thunder Bay by Patricia A. Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, on behalf of Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

Killarney Mayor Ginny Rook said the funding will make her community stronger.

“These funds will allow us to improve waste management and diversion in our municipality,” Rook said in the news release. “It is important to our ratepayers and the thousands of visitors that visit our municipality to protect our natural environment and water quality.”

“This funding will improve the efficiency of our landfill and ensure its longevity,” added Claude Bouffard, Mayor of French River. “We are very pleased to receive support from the federal and provincial government and are now able to move this project to phase 2 and 3.”

Through the Small Communities Fund, the governments of Canada and Ontario are providing funding for priority public infrastructure projects that deliver on local needs in communities across the province that have fewer than 100,000 residents.

To learn more the Small Communities Fund, click here.