August 06, 2008

Orangeville, ON — David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, today announced the Government of Canada will consider the upgrading of the water pollution control plant in the Town of Orangeville as a priority for up to $2,379,433 in federal infrastructure funding.

The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, which are estimated at $7,138,300.

“The environment, and the safety and security of Canadians are clear priorities for our Government,” said MP Tilson. “Supporting the upgrading of the water pollution control plant is one of the ways we will deliver results for the residents of Orangeville.”

“This is welcomed support for our community, as we work to maintain our local infrastructure,” said Rob Adams, Mayor of the Town of Orangeville. “We are very grateful to the federal government for committing to this project, which is very important for the Town of Orangeville.”

This project involves reconstructing the headworks and raw sewage pumping station, as well as rehabilitating and upgrading the tertiary filter complex. The upgrades will improve the overall wastewater treatment process at the water pollution control plant.

Funding for this project comes from the $200 million, announced in March 2007, to top up the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) nationwide. The Government of Canada is directing $64 million in funding to existing clean water applications under the MRIF in Ontario.

Federal financial support for the project is conditional on the initiative meeting all applicable eligibility requirements and other program criteria, a federal review of the project, the successful completion of an environmental assessment, assurance by the municipality that the remaining project costs have been fully financed and accounted for, and the signing of a contribution agreement for the project detailing the project elements and any other federal requirements.