Lakeshore parks, signage, fireworks among projects funded by Hydro One

Lakeshore has announced a number of recreational projects using funds from an $8-million agreement with Hydro One last year that sees the municipality receive compensation for four new power lines going through the region.

The agreement signed last August is intended to help the municipality invest in community upgrades in the region to compensate for the power lines, which were projected to have an effect on residents during construction and were set to intrude into lands identified for economic development in Lakeshore.

It was announced at the time that $5.8 million of the funds would be directed toward cultural and recreation projects in the affected communities, Mayor Tracey Bailey said.

THE PROJECTS ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY INCLUDE:

■ A new park, including a dog park, in the Tracey Park Subdivision Neighbourhood Park;

■ A new grassed parkette with benches, gazebo, and trees;

■ Replacement of Comber community signage, including wayfinding;

■ Sidewalk/trail placement/ replacement;

■ Streetscaping on Main Street, including garbage receptacles, benches, plantings and enhancements to the Veterans Memorial site;

■ A pollinator garden in partnership with community organizations;

■ New digital signage to enhance public awareness of community events and programs;

■ Improvements to the Comber Community Centre;

■ $5,000 toward the 2024 Comber Fair fireworks display.

Lakeshore will also look into the possibility of improving the Comber Fairgrounds.

Comber will feel most of the effects from the transmission lines, but Woodslee was also projected to be affected.

Hydro One needs to build the new lines — five in all — to provide power for increasing demands due to growth in Southwestern Ontario,

including projects in Windsor and the agri-food sector in Essex County.