Provincial funding announcements in the Haut-Saint-Laurent topped $10 million this past week as two major projects were confirmed in Saint-Anicet and in Ormstown. These types of government announcements happen regularly enough, complete with speeches by the area’s elected officials and representatives from different organizations, and the traditional photo opportunity at the end. These activities stand as proof that public funds are being used to stimulate the economy, support local communities, and deliver essential services. Pleasantries are shared along with enthusiastic thankyous, but government announcements rarely highlight the community work behind the projects.
In Saint-Anicet, the work to secure funding for the antiquated dam and pumping station began several years ago, with many faces around the table from different levels of government, local watershed organizations, agricultural producers, and concerned citizens. People have been talking about the need to do something about the infrastructure that at once maintains the water levels in the lake while protecting land along the watershed from flooding. It was back in 1995 that the desire to protect farmland from flooding – while ensuring the water being pumped into the lake from the river was as clean as possible – caused producers to form the La Guerre watershed agri-environmental club, which continues to this day to promote innovative agricultural solutions to prevent runoff.
When it comes to the roughly $2 million needed to purchase the new CT scanner and renovate the Barrie Memorial Hospital so that it can be used effectively, the community is matching the government’s investment. The Women’s Auxiliary of hospital and the hospital foundation have each pledged $500,000 to the project. This is on top of all the investments that these volunteer-run organizations have already committed to for the year. And, of course, their ability to offer such generous support stems from the community’s unwavering dedication to the hospital. The arrival of the new scanner is an investment in the hospital’s future, and an affirmation of the Barrie Memorial’s role within the regional healthcare network.
In both these cases, the communities surrounding the La Guerre dam and pumping station and the Barrie Memorial Hospital have shored up fundamental infrastructure. Government announcements are grand, but we should really be celebrating our community’s constant commitment to making sure our institutions and infrastructures work for the people who live here.
Sarah Rennie