For immediate release: 11 August 2006

INVESTMENT IN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
BENEFITS MARKSTAY-WARREN

MARKSTAY - Residents of the Municipality of Markstay-Warren will benefit from cleaner, safer drinking water through an investment under the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program. The Honourable Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health and Federal Minister responsible for the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Programs; the Honourable David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and MPP for Timiskaming-Cochrane; and Steven Reynolds, Mayor of the Municipality of Markstay-Warren, announced today.

The Municipality of Markstay-Warren will upgrade its water treatment system, which will improve the drinking water quality for 331 households. The project involves construction of a new well and water treatment facility as well as installation of a transmission main to connect the new treatment facility to the existing distribution system.

The upgrades are required to bring the municipal water system into compliance with the Ontario Drinking Water Systems Regulation and improve the quality of life for residents in Markstay-Warren. "Green" municipal infrastructure is a top priority for the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario will each contribute up to $681,036 to this project. The Municipality of Markstay-Warren will invest the balance of the project's total eligible cost of $2,043,108.

"The Government of Canada is working with provincial and municipal governments to improve essential water infrastructure in communities across Canada," said Minister Clement. "Markstay-Warren residents can feel secure in knowing that their water treatment system is being upgraded."

"Upgrades to Markstay-Warren's water system demonstrate how the Ontario government is on the side of northerners," said Minister Ramsay. "We know that Ontario's success depends on building strong northern communities through a strong northern economy and we are proud to invest in a project that will improve the quality of life for all residents in the area."

"The Municipality of Markstay-Warren would like to thank our federal and provincial partners for supporting this essential project," said Mr. Reynolds. "Clean and reliable water is important to our municipality and to our residents. We are pleased to proceed with this project."

This is one of a series of matching federal and provincial investments to help municipalities protect the health and safety of their residents through essential infrastructure projects, totalling over $1.3 billion to date in Ontario.

RELATED LINKS
www.ic.gc.ca/coip-pico

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Contacts:
Steven Reynolds
Mayor of the Municipality of Markstay-Warren
705-853-4536

Dave McLeod
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
519-826-3198

Shireen Badhwar
Industry Canada
416-952-4083