Kingsville is looking to cash in on a provincial grant program that would cover up to 80% of project costs.
The Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling Program is making $42.5-million available in its first year of a multi-year program. The program is funded from cap and trade proceeds and is meant to improve cycling infrastructure in the province.
Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos says this is as big a funding commitment from the province he's seen.
"This is all encompassing and provides so many benefits, it's something that we just can't overlook," says Santos. "This funding is seen as in keeping with that sense of partnership, noting that this is an improvement for our well being in our community."
Santos says the province is stepping up to be a real partner with municipalities when it comes to active transportation.
"This funding envelope is one of the most generous that we've seen in the last couple years in terms of supporting our municipal funds," says Santos. "Our municipality has invested, I'm going to say half a million dollars of our own dollars."
Capitalizing on the available dollars is a "no brainer" as far as Santos is concerned as the town looks at a number of projects, including extending the Heritage Rd. trailway and paved shoulders.
Some of the priority routes the town has identified are on County Rd. 50 from County Rd. 23 to Sycamore, on County Rd. 20 from Dimenna Estates to the Chrysler Greenway and two projects on Road 3 including one from County Rd. 29 to the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
Santos hopes to hear funding news by the end of the year or early next year.