Deep River, Ontario, July 22, 2008 -- Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, was in Laurentian Hills today to celebrate the $257,743 Ontario Potable Water Program (
OPWP
) grant that was awarded to the Town.
The OPWP, announced in February 2008, provides up to $50 million in financial support to promote local economic development in municipalities that have experienced increased costs for their Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program (
COIP
) water projects to comply with changes to Ontario drinking water regulations.
"Our investment will enable the Town to respond to economic development opportunities and help rebuild community capacity," said
MP
Gallant. "The federal government continues to support initiatives such as the Ontario Potable Water Program, which foster a growing economy, a cleaner environment and stronger, more prosperous communities here in Ontario and across the country."
"On behalf of the Town of Laurentian Hills, I sincerely appreciate that fact that the Federal Government has come through with the money owed to us," said Vance Gutzman, Mayor of the Town of Laurentian Hills. "I look forward to further close cooperation with our Member of Parliament, Cheryl Gallant, and the Federal Government in the many years to come."
Municipalities may be considered for financial support under the program upon completion of their
COIP
drinking water projects. As projects are completed, Industry Canada officials will contact these municipalities directly to confirm their eligibility and interest in applying for the
OPWP
. Once applications are assessed, municipalities will be informed and grants will be announced. Financial support under the OPWP must be delivered to municipalities by March 31, 2011.
For more information on the
OPWP
, please visit
http://www.ic.gc.ca .
For more information, please contact:
Laryssa Waler
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
