For immediate release: 08 September 2006

TOWNSHIP OF STRATHROY-CARADOC BENEFITS FROM WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

MOUNT BRYDGES - An official ceremony today marked the completion of upgrades to the Strathroy and Mount Brydges water systems in the Township of Strathroy-Caradoc. Bev Shipley, MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex; Maria Van Bommel, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex; and Mel Veale, Mayor of the Township of Strathroy-Caradoc, were pleased to see this important
Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program project come to fruition.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario each contributed up to $264,564 to this project. The Township of Strathroy-Caradoc invested the balance of the project's total eligible cost of $793,691.

Both the Strathroy and Mount Brydges water systems have been upgraded to improve the drinking water quality for 6,060 households. The Strathroy Well Supplies have been flood proofed, all cross connections were removed, spill containment was provided, and recording, monitoring and alarm systems have been installed. As well, the Mount Brydges Well Supply has been equipped with automatic shut-off controls for the well pumps, standby chlorine solution tanks, and a re-chlorination facility at the high-lift pumphouse, complete with analyzers. Also, a chlorine contact watermain was constructed for four residential users and well 3 was sealed.

The upgrades were 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 the Township of Strathroy-Caradoc. "Green" municipal infrastructure is a top priority for the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program.

"Through this project, residents of Strathroy-Caradoc can be assured that they have access to clean, safe drinking water at home and at work," said Mr. Shipley. "The federal government proudly supports important rural water system upgrades such as this one."

"A safe and reliable water infrastructure is important to Ontario's rural communities and is just one example of how the McGuinty government is on the side of families in rural Ontario," said Ms. Van Bommel. "And as your MPP, I am proud to be a part of an event that is so important to the well-being of the residents of Strathroy-Caradoc."

"As a result of these upgrades, our community's well supply system remains in compliance with drinking water regulations," said Mayor Veale. "I am proud of the cooperation between the three levels of government that has allowed this project to happen."

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 more than $1.3 billion to date in Ontario. A large number of these projects will ensure municipalities can supply residents with clean, safe drinking water.

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Contacts:
Mel Veale
Mayor of the Township of Strathroy-Caradoc
519-245-1070

Dave McLeod
Communications Branch
519-826-3198

Shireen Badhwar
Industry Canada
416-952-4083