For immediate release: November 24, 2006

Cleaner, safer drinking water for the Township of Schreiber

Schreiber - Residents of the Township of Schreiber 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 Program; Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North; and Don McArthur, Mayor of the Township of Schreiber, made the announcement today.

The Township of Schreiber will upgrade the Schreiber Water Treatment Plant, which will improve the drinking water quality for 766 households. The project includes the installation of turbidity meters and treated water chlorine analyzers, the provision of a treated water flow meter, duplicate post-chlorination systems and secondary containment, as well as upgrades to the treatment facilities to provide chemically assisted filtration.

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 the Township of Schreiber. "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 $397,590 to this project. The Township of Schreiber will invest the balance of the project's total eligible cost of $1,192,769.

"Canada's New Government is committed to helping our northern communities make the necessary improvements to ensure they have continued access to a safe and reliable drinking water supply," said The Honourable Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health and Federal Minister responsible for the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program. "It is my pleasure to announce this investment through the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program that will make a real difference to residents living in the Township of Schreiber."

"This project for the Township of Schreiber demonstrates how the McGuinty government is working with municipalities to deliver safe, clean drinking water to all Ontarians," said Mr. Gravelle. "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."

"Quality drinking water has been a priority for Schreiber for many decades," said Mr. McArthur. "The Township of Schreiber is pleased to have the support of the federal and provincial governments for upgrades to the Schreiber Water Treatment Plant. It would not be possible for our small community to meet the new drinking water standards without this financial support."

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. A large number of these projects will ensure municipalities can supply residents with clean, safe drinking water.

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Contacts:
Don McArthur
Mayor for the Township of Schreiber
807-824-2711

Brent Ross
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
416-326-9342

Linda Hann
Industry Canada
416-952-0468