Innisfil, Ontario, July 23, 2008 - The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Minister for Democratic Reform and Member of Parliament for York-Simcoe, today announced the Government of Canada will consider the expansion of municipal water and wastewater servicing in the Town of Innisfil as a priority for up to $1,599,350 in federal infrastructure funding.
The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs, which are estimated at $4,798,050.
"Maintaining a healthy and clean environment is directly related to the health and prosperity of communities and their residents, and is a priority for our Government," said Minister Van Loan. "Supporting this expansion of municipal water and wastewater servicing is one of the ways we will deliver results for the residents of Innisfil."
"I am pleased that the funding will now be available," said Brian Jackson, Mayor of the Town of Innisfil. "This will help Innisfil modernize its infrastructure for its residents."
The project involves extending communal water and sewage servicing to the Big Cedar Point area to replace existing private wells and septic systems. The improvements will provide cleaner, safer drinking water to residents.
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.
For more information, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
Darlene Stone
Office of the Honourable Peter Van Loan
MP for York-Simcoe
(613) 996-7752
Laryssa Waler
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200
