Governments Invest in Niagara-on-the-Lake Wastewater Treatment Project
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, October 5, 2012 - Residents and businesses in Niagara-on-the-Lake will soon benefit from improved wastewater infrastructure thanks to a joint funding commitment from the governments of Canada and Ontario.
"Our Government is investing in this project to protect the Great Lakes and contribute to the economic future of the Niagara region,"
said the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. "A new, modern wastewater facility will help safeguard the environment for future generations by ensuring that water returned to Lake Ontario meets or even exceeds treatment standards."
"The Ontario government understands how important this wastewater treatment plant is to the Niagara Region, and we are proud to support the needs of local families and businesses by contributing to this significant project,"
said Kim Craitor, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara Falls. "By making strategic investments in infrastructure, our government is continuing to strengthen our economy and building stronger communities."
"The Niagara-on-the-Lake Wastewater treatment plant is a critical piece of infrastructure that has served the local community well for many years,"
said Regional Chair Gary Burroughs. "Through the generous funding and support for this project provided by the federal and provincial governments, Niagara Region will be able to build a new, modern facility providing efficient and safe wastewater treatment services to the residents and businesses of Niagara-on-the-Lake."
A new treatment facility will be built approximately 800 metres west of the existing plant. The new, more efficient plant will help protect the environment and will ensure sufficient treatment capacity to meet the needs of the community for the next 20 years or more.
The Government of Canada is setting aside up to one-third of total eligible costs, to a maximum contribution of $14,426,667 for the project. The Province of Ontario has also committed up to $14,426,667 of eligible costs, and the Region of Niagara is responsible for all remaining costs. The total estimated cost of the wastewater project is $43,280,000.
This project has been identified as a priority for funding under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. Federal funding is conditional on the project meeting all of the requirements under the Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement.
The Government of Canada has engaged provinces, territories, municipalities and key stakeholders in a series of roundtables to guide the development of a new long-term infrastructure plan that will support job creation, economic growth and prosperity. We have heard that we are on the right track: there is a need for strong, sustained investment and we must continue to work together moving forward. To improve infrastructure across Canada and ensure affordability and sustainability over the long term, our new plan will encourage greater use of public-private partnerships. This will help leverage new investments in infrastructure while respecting the capacity of Canadian taxpayers.
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. Since 2003, Ontario has invested approximately $75 billion in infrastructure. Building modern, efficient infrastructure has created or preserved close to 100,000 jobs each year, on average. Investing in infrastructure is part of the government's plan to create jobs for Ontarians and strengthen the economy. A strong economy protects the services that mean the most to families – health care and education.
Stay up-to-date with Infrastructure Canada Web feeds at www.infrastructure.gc.ca
For further information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For further information about Building Together, the Government of Ontario's long-term infrastructure plan, visit www.ontario.ca/buildingtogether
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit www.ontario.ca/infrastructure.
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
David Salter
Press Secretary
Office of Ontario Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation
416-327-1815
Office of the Regional Chair Gary Burroughs
905-685-4225 ext. 3247
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free 1-877-250-7154
