After previous attempts the municipality was successful in receiving provincial funding for the rehabilitation of the Oblong Narrows bridge at Fort Irwin at Haliburton Lake. A $650000 grant represents nearly 90 per cent of the project’s estimated $740000 cost. The job is out to tender with construction expected to commence in the summer and be completed in fall.

Septage field expansion

Pumping company Total Site Services has applied to the province for an expansion of a septage disposal site it operates off of Coaldale Drive.

“No municipal approval of this application is needed” senior planner Sue Harrison told councillors. Approval authority for such applications rest solely with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

The expansion would increase a four-hectare operation to 10 acres and along with septage spreading add four septage lagoons.

As part of the application a request has been made to rezone the property from a rural classification to a disposal industrial – holding classification. A public meeting regarding the zoning change will be scheduled. Harrison told councillors she believes the site location to be compliant with the municipality’s official plan.

“This is an absolute perfect location” said Mayor Murray Fearrey.

Telecom tower approved

Council has granted permission for Bell to install a wooden 88-foot tower on an unopened road allowance near the intersection of Watts Road and Little Kennisis Lake Road. Two existing Bell structures are located on the road allowance. It’s expected the new tower will enhance internet connectivity in the Kennisis Lake area.