operation too, and that’s costly also.”Two ambulance stations service the township, although Rodey admits, “These days with 911 calls, sometimes the first person there is your firefighter, not necessarily your ambulance,” further acknowledging the importance of St. Clair’s 188 volunteer firefighters. QUALITY OF LIFE AMENITIES AND RECREATION Maintaining a delicate balance between industrial growth and providing quality-of-life opportunities for its residents, St. Clair Township has invested in infrastructure, recreational facilities, and green spaces. “We are actually a green space heaven,” says Mayor Agar, a truth which is evidenced by the 12 waterfront parks in the community, all connecting to the extensive St. Clair River trail. With six splash pads, top-notch baseball parks, and a newly funded $8 million sports complex with ice pads, a pool, and a fitness facility, the municipality has recreation options for all ages.The township also attracts camping enthusiasts, with three municipally ago with a projected lifespan of 50 years, are nearing capacity sooner than anticipated due to increased demand from industries.Working through a strategic plan, the township is at the environmental assessment stages of the new treatment plant and is waiting for additional government funding for the project which is estimated at $45 million. “We pretty well have our share of the money in the bank right now,” relays Agar. “It would be nice to be able to get a third from the feds, a third from the province, and we kick in a third. We’re at that point now where it’s just about ready. As soon as we have the money, we can put a shovel in the ground and start going.” Covering a large geographic area, the municipality has had to make a major investment in its bridges, many of which are in rural areas. “I think this year, we have to do five. One of the bridges is a $3 million bill. So, we’re spending a lot of money on doing this, and that plays in with our waste stream and we can’t put as much into that. Because you have to keep your bridges intact, so people can drive on them, and go to work,” he conveys. POLICE FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY Mayor Agar sheds light on the robust fire protection infrastructure in St. Clair Township, boasting six fire stations with high-end equipment, including advanced ladder fire trucks crucial for the industrial landscape. “I’m told, in Ontario, there’s really nothing else like them. And that’s just because of all the industry that we have here. We needed them. So, that’s a big attraction here for industry to come in, that we supply, and we look after our infrastructure that way.” Rodey elaborates on the dual purpose of having six fire stations, adding, “Our equipment is probably higher end because of the industry, but our fire stations are there because of coverage and the need to cover a very large municipality.” Shifting to police and paramedic services, Mayor Agar says the township has a contract with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). “They look after the whole township,” he explains. “A few years ago, we had to build a new station in Corunna. They have a big St. Clair Energy Centre Innovators building a sustainable world. Invenergy brings an owner's mindset to every project we touch, so we’re flexible in adapting to your needs. To learn more, visit www.invenergy.com. 157 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03 ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, ONTARIO
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