Waterfront Friends a step closer to reality

Sorbara announces 3.25 million dollars for the waterfront.

Community Waterfront Friends took one step closer to having their vision realized Tuesday with a major announcement by Minister of Finance Greg Sorbara.

Sorbara was in town to announce that the group has received 3.25 million dollars from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to help in the construction of two underpasses that will link the waterfront to downtown.

The main underpass is dedicated to pedestrian traffic, while the mini-train will use the second underpass to provide transportation to and from the waterfront.

Dr. Rod Johnston was thrilled to hear the news thanking everyone involved for helping secure the underpasses system is key to the group’s vision.

“I never thought this day would come,” he tells the group.

“There were lots of obstacles in the way for it not to happen. I want to thank Harriet Maddigan, because it was her drive and passion that kept us going in high times and low times.”

Johnston also acknowledged Jack Burrows contributions and thanked him for taking the risk and purchasing the rail lands in the first place.

Maddigan said her heart was so happy she could just cry.

“Without it (the money) it’s a dream … with it, it’s a reality,” she told BayToday.

Sorbara, calling the project the ‘little train that could,” says the money is further commitment by the McGuinty Government to strengthening Ontario communities especially Northern Ontario.

“Today’s announcement furthers that commitment and builds on the investments we have made in North Bay,” he said.

The city has committed 1.5 million dollars to the project, but the group is still waiting to hear from the federal government.

The project completion date is 2010.