CBS lands federal money to protect Long Pond harbour

By Craig Westcott

Ottawa has approved up to $6.2 million from its Disaster Mitigation and Adaption Fund for the Town of CBS.

With the federal government prepared to spend up to that amount on an agreed upon project, it allows the Town to borrow up to $9.3 million for any projects coming to a maximum cost of $15.5 million. That’s because under the deal, Ottawa will cover up to 40 per cent of the project’s cost, with the Town having the responsibility to provide the other 60 per cent.

But as Deputy Mayor Andrea Gosse pointed out at council’s public meeting Tuesday, the Town can make up its portion by acquiring funds from other sources, such as the provincial government.

Gosse said CBS will use the money to enhance the breakwater at Long Pond to protect homes and businesses in that area from coastal erosion and storm surges. The Town has until the end of 2032 to take advantage of the funding, which she said is a great timeline for the work.

“Our finance staff often make applications for different funding programs and this Disaster Mitigation and Adaption Fund was one they made application for a while back,” Gosse noted. “These upgrades are intended to be a long term natural and adaptive solution also able to withstand projected climate events and impacts for many years to come.”