October 09, 2009

FINGAL — An official ceremony today marked the completion of improvements to the local water supply system in the Township of Southwold. Joe Preston, MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London; Steve Peters, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London; and James McIntyre, Mayor of the Township of Southwold, were pleased to see this important Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) project reach completion. 

Work on the project included increasing capacity of the supply system to meet demand during peak hours and establishing an emergency water supply. These improvements result in cleaner, safer drinking water for households in the Southwold area, and extend service to households currently relying on well water service.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario each committed up to $2,031,096 to the project. The Township of Southwold committed the balance of the project’s total eligible cost of $6,093,290.

“When we invest in water infrastructure, we invest in the health and safety of our communities.  As a result of this project, Southwold residents will have continued confidence in the quality and reliability of their drinking water,” said MP Preston. “We know projects like this one are important to our communities, which is why in Canada’s Economic Action we reaffirmed our commitment to investing in quality infrastructure.”
 
“Efficient and reliable water supply systems are essential in protecting community residents, visitors and the environment,” said MPP Peters. “I am pleased that the Ontario government has played a part in helping protect Southwold's public water infrastructure.”

“The Township of Southwold is thankful for the federal and provincial governments’ contributions to this project,” said Mayor McIntyre. “Improvements to the water supply system will enhance the quality of life in our community.”  

Under the COMRIF program, the governments of Canada and Ontario are working together with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and local partners to respond to local needs through infrastructure upgrades providing clean, safe drinking water, better sewage systems, improved waste management processes, safer local roads and bridges, as well as other health and safety priorities.

For further information on the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, please visit www.comrif.ca.