Civil Municipal - May 2024

population growth and economic development in the area. Emon reflects on the challenges and opportunities of managing infrastructure in a rapidly growing county. “Forecasting future needs while addressing immediate demands presents a dynamic challenge for Renfrew County. We’re engaged in ongoing conversations with various stakeholders to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with our growth,” he adds, illustrating the County’s commitment to thoughtful, strategic planning to support its continued development. TOURISM IN RENFREW COUNTY Renfrew County is expanding its infrastructure and strategically enhancing its tourism and workforce capabilities to sustain and amplify regional growth. Emon discusses the direct initiatives in tourism and the collaborative efforts to foster workforce development, which is essential for maintaining economic vitality and attracting further investment. He starts by outlining the County’s approach to tourism, which focuses on staging events that draw visitors from beyond its borders.“We recently hosted the Ontario Winter Games, a massive undertaking that brought 2,500 coaches, teams, and officials to outgrown our initial projections,” he states. With the rise of streaming services and remote work, the network’s capacity was strained. Renfrew has embarked on a $275 million initiative to improve cell coverage and connectivity, essential for supporting remote work and attracting more investment to the region. Addressing traffic and safety concerns, Emon highlights the plans for Petawawa Boulevard,a critical artery for the local community and the military at Garrison Petawawa.“The traffic buildup during peak hours has necessitated a closer look at public safety and traffic flow, leading us to plan a $5-6 million roundabout project to alleviate congestion,” he notes. This initiative is part of a broader partnership with Garrison Petawawa to enhance accessibility and safety for military and civilian populations. Further discussing infrastructure projects, Emon details the broader scope of roadway improvements, including the proposal for additional roundabouts and the expansion of County Road 51. “We’re considering another roundabout at Mohns Road and planning a significant expansion of the bridge across the Petawawa River, estimated at around $21 million,” he reveals. These projects are critical for managing the increasing traffic flow resulting from Photo Credit: County of Renfrew 153 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05 RENFREW COUNTY, ON