Federal government gives $68,500 to test Oxford sinkhole

The federal government announced Friday that it will put $68,500 toward geophysical testing to determine what kind of risk a large sinkhole poses to the town of Oxford, N.S.

The tests will identify the boundaries and structure of the sinkhole and help determine the risk of other sinkholes nearby. The sinkhole opened up last summer, and started small but grew to swallow up trees and part of a parking lot.

"Today is a good, good day," said Patricia Stewart, mayor of Oxford.

She said the sinkhole has caused unease about the stability of the town's infrastructure and public safety.

"There is a tremendous feeling of relief now that we can finally start to move forward towards potential solutions."

Officials are also watching a depression along the Trans-Canada Highway, near the exit to Oxford, which showed up around the same time as the sinkhole did. It's not yet clear if the two are connected.

The geological formation of the area around Oxford makes it prone to developing sinkholes, both ones that have yet to be discovered and those hiding in plain sight.

Cumberland-Colchester MP Bill Casey made the announcement on behalf of Navdeep Bains, Canada's minister of innovation, science and economic development.

Casey said the funding didn't come as soon as he had hoped, but he's looking forward to finding out what lies beneath Oxford's surface.

"People who don't live in Oxford or in the area don't understand the fear of not knowing what's happening underneath," he said.

The test will include surveys along all sides of the sinkhole and an investigation into its depth, going approximately 20 metres below the ground.

Casey said he's not sure when testing will start but the town has contracted a company and work will begin soon.