Business View Civil & Municipal | July 2022

65 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 The city is currently focusing on water and sewer infrastructure upgrades. Steele says they’re “taking the bull by the horns,” and over the next few years will lower their water costs. This year they’ve managed to complete several smaller projects to help stop leaks and infiltration. They are now moving on to larger projects, including a $6 million sewer replacement project that will stop leaking pipes in an older part of town, lowering costs for the ratepayers once again. There’s also a grant program to help homeowners replace the pipes from their home to the road, which will help lower costs. In addition, Port Colborne has created a 100-acre industrial park and they’re working toward servicing the land for light and medium industrial and warehousing. Looking ahead to the next five years, Mayor Steele hopes the cycling industry booms – bringing more and more people to the city because they are connecting Fort Erie to the trail system. Also, the Niagara Region is hosting the 2022 Canada Summer Games and the cycling event is happening in Port Colborne. He also hopes to see the city welcome even more families to the area, and see retail and restaurant activity fan out across the city, not just in the downtown core. Another goal is to grow the marine industry by acquiring more land and attracting new industries. “Port Colborne is poised to expand,” says Mayor Steele. “Quite frankly with our water, rail and highway system that runs through here we are a very attractive area. We just have to be prepared very quickly to open up lands for enabling those companies to come here and hit the ground right away, that’s important.” LOOKING PAST AND MOVING AHEAD 66 Charlotte St, Port Colborne ON, L3K 3C8 www.portcolborne.ca | 905-835-2900 Steeped in marine heritage. With a generous climate, ample beach front, and cultural attractions, Port Colborne, Ontario is an ideal destination. C I TY OF PORT COLBORNE , ONTAR IO