MP Cheryl Gallant Announces $114 Million For Water And Sewer Projects

February 15, 2008

OTTAWA, Ontario — Cheryl Gallant, MP, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, on behalf of the Government of Canada, today announced funding up to an additional $50 million to assist municipalities which faced economic challenges related to the implementation of their existing federally funded drinking water projects. This $50 million is in addition to today’s announcement of $64 million for new clean water projects in Ontario, for a total of $114 million.

Funding under the 50 million Ontario Potable Water Program (OPWP) will be available to Ontario municipalities that have previously received federal funding for water projects under the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program (COIP), and which have incurred additional costs for their projects to comply with changes to provincial drinking water regulations.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the economic challenges faced by some Ontario municipalities to fund additional costs for drinking water projects, due to provincial regulatory changes,” said Cheryl gallant, MP. “This program addresses some of those financial pressures and enables these communities to respond to local economic development opportunities.”

Ontario municipalities with water system projects funded under COIP for compliance with provincial drinking water regulations will be contacted directly by Industry Canada officials to confirm their interest in and eligibility for OPWP funding.

The $64 million in funding for water and wastewater projects comes from the $200 million announced in February 2007, to top up the nation-wide Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. Ontario’s share of funding is $64 million.

“I know that protecting and preserving our environment is a priority for Ontarians and for the Federal Government,” said MP Gallant. “Our Government has been a willing partner at the table to sign a top-up agreement, yet the province of Ontario has been stalling and delaying for over a year to sign on to the $64 million Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. The liberals in Toronto should be ashamed for playing politics with this important funding that municipalities in my Riding have been calling for.”

Since the announcement of this additional funding, the Government of Canada has signed top-up agreements with every province and territory except Ontario. Today, the Government of Canada announced it is proceeding, with or without Toronto, to deliver this funding directly to the people.

“Our Government understands that Ontarians want clean water, safer streets and healthier communities, said Cheryl Gallant, MP. “That’s why today, we’re taking action.”