Municipality of Chatham-Kent to Upgrade Local Wastewater Treatment Plant

For immediate release — January 10, 2007

Canada's New Government and the Government of Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

CHATHAM — Canada's New Government and the Government of Ontario today announced funding under Intake Three of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to upgrade the Ridgetown Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $2,666,666 in the local wastewater project. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $8,000,000. The Government of Canada's contribution is contingent on the successful completion of an environmental assessment of the proposed project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

"It is important that all wastewater be treated properly in order to reduce any impact on our environment," said Dave Van Kesteren, MP for Chatham-Kent-Essex, on behalf of Tony Clement, Minister of Health and federal minister responsible for COMRIF. "This investment on behalf of Canada's New Government will improve the quality of life of residents in Chatham-Kent."

"Through this COMRIF investment, Canada's New Government is demonstrating its commitment to protecting the environment in Chatham-Kent," said Bev Shipley, MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. "Our environment must be respected and preserved, therefore it is essential that our wasterwater system be modern and up-to-date."

"Renewing essential infrastructure is important to Ontario's small urban and rural communities," said Pat Hoy, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Essex. "Today's investment demonstrates the McGuinty government's commitment to upgrading wastewater infrastructure in this province."

"This wastewater project is a priority for our community, and the investment from our federal and provincial partners will make a big difference for residents in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent," said Randy Hope, Mayor of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

This project is part of a total federal-provincial investment announced today of $93 million in 72 communities under Intake Three of COMRIF. Together with municipal contributions, the total COMRIF Intake Three investment in local infrastructure improvements exceeds $139 million. These investments will provide small urban and rural municipalities with the support they need to renew essential infrastructure in their communities.

Under the five-year, $900-million COMRIF program, the governments of Canada and Ontario are working together with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and local partners to enhance and renew Ontario's public infrastructure, improve the quality of the environment, protect the health and safety of citizens, support long-term economic growth and build prosperous, sustainable communities by giving municipalities the tools they need. This also includes the recently launched Asset Management Program component, which helps eligible municipalities and Local Services Boards improve and increase their capacity to manage their infrastructure.

In Budget 2006, Canada's New Government announced an unprecedented $16.5 billion in funding for infrastructure, including $6.6 billion in new investment for infrastructure programs. The Government recognizes the importance of infrastructure in Canada's success. Consultations with a wide range of governments, including Ontario, and stakeholders, including the AMO, took place over the summer and fall of 2006. Canada's New Government is currently developing its long-term plan for infrastructure programs.

For more information on the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, please visit www.comrif.ca.

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Contacts:

Randy Hope
Mayor of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent
519-360-1998

Brent Ross
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
416-326-9342

Linda Hann
Industry Canada
416-952-0468

Chris Flavelle
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Leona Dombrowsky
416-326-3072

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200

Project Reference Number: 16319