Government Of Canada Supports Clean Water In The Township Of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield

February 21, 2008

Reeve Ron Millen and Deputy Reeve Mary Smith join MP Dean Del Mastro for a major infrastructure funding announcement in the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield

Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield, Ontario — Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the Government of Canada will consider upgrades to the wastewater system in the township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield as a priority for up to $566,666 in federal infrastructure funding.

The federal contribution would be up to one-third of total eligible costs. The total estimated cost of the project is $1.7 million.

“Maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment is directly related to the health and prosperity of communities and their residents, and is a priority for the Government of Canada,” said MP Del Mastro.

“Supporting upgrades to this wastewater system is one of the ways we will deliver results in this priority area.”

“Our Council is pleased that the federal government has reconsidered its support for the Lakefield Wastewater system upgrade. The residents of Lakefield need a reliable system that is affordable,” said Ron Millen, Reeve for the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield. “Ratepayers will obviously benefit by the injection of this much needed capital funding from the federal government.”

The project consists of the replacement of the existing single forcemain with dual high density polyethylene pipes. The project also includes the provision of spill containment at the main sewage pumping station. These upgrades will improve the wastewater system and eliminate the environmental and health issues related to raw sewage discharge.

Funding for this project comes from the $200 million announced in February 2007, to top up the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) nation-wide. The Government of Canada is directing $64 million in funding to existing clean water applications under MRIF in Ontario.

Federal financial support for the project is conditional on the initiative meeting all applicable eligibility requirements and other program criteria to be approved by Treasury Board, 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.