Project will protect the environment and create local jobs
IROQUOIS, ONTARIO, April 27, 2012 – Federal, provincial and municipal representatives gathered today to celebrate the official groundbreaking of major upgrades to the Iroquois Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Improvements to the facility include the addition of a secondary treatment process, which will further reduce the impact of wastewater on the local environment. Other upgrades will also increase the plant’s overall capacity, efficiency and reliability. The upgraded plant will better protect the environment and ensure the health and safety of local residents.
“Safe and reliable wastewater infrastructure will support the health and well-being of residents of South Dundas, and help to protect the St. Lawrence River,” said Guy Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Our Government believes that investing in infrastructure is one of the best ways to create jobs in Canada, and I am pleased that this project will contribute to a cleaner environment and the economic future of this region.”
“Ontario is making strategic infrastructure investments to strengthen our communities, support local economies and create jobs for families,” said Grant Crack, Member of Provincial Parliament for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell. “This project will protect the local environment, the St.Lawrence River and improve the quality of life for residents for years to come.”
“I am glad to have developed a partnership with the federal and provincial governments to provide this upgrade for the residents of the Village of Iroquois in the Township of South Dundas,” said Mayor Steven Byvelds of the Township of South Dundas. “The project goes a long way in providing the necessary infrastructure we need to grow and prosper.”
The Government of Canada is contributing up to $9 million through the Green Infrastructure Fund toward eligible project costs. The Province of Ontario has already contributed $9 million. The Township of South Dundas will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of $18,062,067.
The Green Infrastructure Fund is a key part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. It focuses on priorities such as upgrading wastewater treatment systems, clean energy generation and transmission lines, and investing in hydro, wind and solar power. Clean energy infrastructure contributes to improved air quality and lower carbon emissions.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012 focuses on creating new opportunities for jobs and growth, and securing long-term prosperity for Canadians. Investing in public infrastructure is an important part of this strategy. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s leadership, and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 690,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. To learn more about the opportunities in Economic Action Plan 2012, visit www.budget.gc.ca/2012/home-accueil-eng.html.
This project also supports Building Together, the Government of Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province’s roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Including investments in 2011-12, the government has invested $75 billion in infrastructure since 2003. Building modern, efficient infrastructure has created or preserved close to 100,000 jobs each year, on average, making Ontario’s economy more productive and improving quality of life, now and in the future.
For additional information about investments in infrastructure, visit infrastructure.gc.ca.
For more information on how Ontariois revitalizing its infrastructure, visit ontario.ca/infrastructure.
Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities,
613-991-0700
Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure
416-325-0781
Steve McDonald
Chief Administrative Officer
Township of South Dundas
613-535-2673
smcdonald@southdundas.com
InfrastructureCanada
613-960-9251 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
