Infrastructure | Federal funding needed to kickstart project

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By SANDRA HENNESSEY
For The Daily Gleaner

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CHIPMAN - Mayor Ed Farris says he's pleased of the village's progress in 2008 and its plans for 2009.

The decision by J.D. Irving Ltd. to add a new boiler system at the local Grand Lake Timber sawmill was good news for the village, he said. The biomass energy development plant will generate steam for the sawmill by using lumber products, such as bark and sawdust, instead of regular fuel.

"That shows that Irving has an interest in staying in Chipman for a while. The mill is the biggest employer in the Chipman and Minto area, and an economic staple. Not only is there employment in the mill itself, but also associated workers in the forest and the effect on businesses in town," he said.

Landscaping renovations and re-paving of the parking lot in front of the fire hall were completed in 2008.

"The firemen take an interest in the village," Farris said. "We thank them for their work in raising the money for the improvements to the looks of the village."

In the coming year, council will continue to work on plans to install a municipal water system in the village. Provincial testing found the water in central Chipman to be contaminated 18 years ago. All residents in Chipman are on wells, and the 125 most affected have been coping by using filters and water softeners.

Potential water sources have been investigated and the village has applied for funding over the years.

Meetings have been held by public officials and, in 2008, an engineering consulting firm prepared an environmental impact study.

"We've applied for $4.5 million in government funding to upgrade the infrastructure and install a water system in the village," Farris said.

"Where the water is worst would be the first phase of the project. We'll be meeting with the federal government in the new year to see how the application is going."

Chipman village council recently met with Minto village council to discuss issues of concern to the whole area.

"We plan to meet quarterly," Farris said. "We're working with Minto council on health issues and the ambulance service. We're going to push the issue of a third ambulance needed to cover Minto and Chipman.

"We're hoping for industry to come to the village in the new year. We have an industrial park and will welcome any new industries at all."

Council has applied for funding to do more work at the marina, which brings tourists to the village. Work is also planned at the Chipman Community Heritage Centre, which is located near the marina and is used by the community for different events.