
submitted to EFP
Earlier this year, the Town of Essex was successful in its application to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs’ Rural Economic Development (RED) grant program. The nearly $250,000 grant will support the Town’s multi-million dollar investments in the Harrow and Essex Centre Streetscape Projects, with construction slated to begin in Harrow in the spring of 2021.
“As a Council, we are united in recognizing the importance of investing in our urban cores, supporting the small businesses and citizens that call them home, and creating a unique vision that reflects our community,” said Mayor Larry Snively. “We appreciate the funds that help will make this project possible and we are excited to get shovels in the ground to make it a reality.”
In 2020, Town Council agreed to invest more than $4.5 million toward the implementation of the Harrow Streetscape Project, although COVID-19 delayed the engineering phase and start of construction. Project construction is now slated to begin in Spring of 2021.
The RED grant funding will partially cover the cost of capital investments such as landscaping and street furniture (eg. benches and bike racks).
On top of the visual and amenity enhancements, the Harrow Streetscape Project will coincide with significant capital investment in roads, water main, and storm sewer work in Harrow’s urban core.
The Town has also published a resource page for residents, business owners, and visitors to find information about the Harrow Streetscape Project and its impacts on the community. Current information is now posted at www.essex.ca/HarrowStreetscape.