Chatham, Ontario, August 4, 2009 — Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent-Essex, is pleased to announce a grant of $3,545,871 for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent today under the Ontario Potable Water Program (OPWP).
Nearly $17 million in financial support has been approved to date under this Government of Canada program, announced in February 2008. The program 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) drinking water projects to comply with changes to Ontario drinking water regulations.
“Our government is committed to building sustainable and healthy communities in Ontario,” said MP Van Kesteren. “This investment through the Ontario Potable Water Program will help to create jobs and boost the local economy in Chatham-Kent.”
“This funding will allow our municipality to direct resources towards other community priorities such as economic development and infrastructure,” said Randy Hope, Mayor of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
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 www.ic.gc.ca/opwp-pepo.
For more information, please contact:
Laryssa Waler
A/Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
(613) 995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
