HAVELOCK-BELMONT-METHUEN BREAKS GROUND FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM UPGRADES

January 20, 2009

(TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009 - HAVELOCK, ON) – An official ceremony today marked the groundbreaking for upgrades to the Havelock wastewater treatment system. Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough Riding; Jeff Leal, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough Riding; and Ronald Gerow, Reeve of the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, were pleased to see this important Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) project get underway.
 
The completion of upgrades to the Havelock well supply system, funded through the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program (COIP), was also celebrated today.
 
“Investments in infrastructure stimulate economic growth, support a cleaner environment and contribute to the overall prosperity of Ontarians,” said MP Del Mastro. “These improvements to water and wastewater services in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen will have lasting benefits for residents.”
 
"Investing in public infrastructure helps build healthy, strong communities for today and manage growth for the future,” said MPP Leal. “The upgrade to the water distribution system in Havelock will ensure that families who live here will find this an even better place to raise their children.”
 
“We are pleased to have worked with the federal and provincial governments to complete these improvements, which meet our needs for the continued sustainable development of our community,” said Reeve Gerow.
 
Through the COMRIF program, the governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing up to $1,500,000 to upgrade the Havelock wastewater treatment system. The Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $4,500,000.  The existing lagoon treatment system is being replaced through the construction of a wastewater treatment plant.
 
Through the COIP program, the governments of Canada and Ontario each committed up to $775,075 to upgrade the Havelock well supply system. The Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen committed the balance of the project’s total eligible cost of $2,325,225. The upgrades to the well supply system make an important contribution to the health and safety of residents in Havelock. An enhanced water treatment process and the addition of a new well ensures more residents have access to cleaner, safer water.
 
The governments of Canada and Ontario recognize the importance of infrastructure investments to building a healthy economy, environment and strong communities. Through cooperative programs such as COMRIF and COIP, the federal and provincial governments are working with municipalities and local partners to improve and renew public infrastructure across the province.