91Ô´´ Township is hoping to get a $6 million federal grant to build new water and sewer infrastructure in one of its newly-developing neighbourhoods.
At the Dec. 16 meeting, the council voted unanimously to apply for money via the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF). The new fund was announced in the 2024 federal budget, and is one of several programs intended to accelerate home construction.
CHIF can cost up to 40 per cent of eligible costs for new or rehabilitated water, sewer, and solid waste infrastructure.
The Township is asking for funding for several projects that have already been approved in the Smith neighbourhood, a section of Willoughby between 72 Avenue and 76 Avenue, on both sides of 208 Street.
The projects are expected to support up to 1,925 housing units that could eventually be built in the Smith area.
The projects include a detention pond, some storm sewers, and drainage work along roads such as 208A Street, the 212 Street Connector, and portions of 76 Avenue.
Councillor Kim Richter asked about the chances of getting such a grant.
"The likelihood of success is high on this application, based on the conditions that we're satisfying," said Chan Kooner, the director of community planning and policy.