Hamilton's landmark giant globe is getting a badly needed paint job. It is one of 16 projects now receiving federal and provincial infrastructure funding.

The sphere, which is highly visible to motorists on the QEW, was built in 1972. The world's continents and oceans are painted on it. But the old paint has faded, looks tired and needs refurbishing.

Last fall, council approved repainting the eight-storey-tall ball at the Woodward Avenue sewage treatment plant. The sphere stores methane gas, which is converted to electricity and heat for the plant.

The painting is scheduled to start in August, forcing an estimated 22-week shutdown. The valves and piping inside the sphere will also be inspected, said Andrew Grice, acting director of Hamilton Water.

The project is estimated to cost $4.4 million, with the federal government covering $2 million and the province $1 million.

In a 1998 column, Spectator writer Paul Wilson said he was told that painting the world on a giant ball was Mayor Vic Copp's idea. "He wanted to remind highway motorists that Hamilton was the centre of the universe."