For immediate release - January 23, 2007

Investment In Water Infrastructure

Benefits County Of Oxford

WOODSTOCK - An official ceremony today marked the announcement of funding for upgrades to 21 well supply systems in the County of Oxford. Dave MacKenzie, MP for Oxford; Maria Van Bommel, Parliamentary Assistant (Agriculture) to Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; and Paul Holbrough, Warden of the County of Oxford, were joined by local councillors and community members to celebrate this important Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program (COIP) project.

Canada's New Government, through COIP, will commit $11,676,683 for the upgrading of the 21 well systems. The Government of Ontario and the County of Oxford will commit the balance of the project's total eligible cost of $35,750,761.

The County of Oxford is upgrading the following well systems: Beachville, Bright, Brownsville, Dereham Centre, Drumbo, Embro, Hickson, Ingersoll, Innerkip, Mount Elgin, Plattsville, Princeton, Sweaburg, Tavistock, Norwich, Otterville, Springford, Lakeside, Thamesford, Woodstock, and Tillsonburg. Work on these systems includes the construction of transmission watermains, chlorine contact facilities, and new or upgraded pumphouse facilities. Other improvements include constructing replacement wells, decommissioning old and unused wells, installing ultraviolet disinfection systems and standby generators, and upgrading instrumentation, control and monitoring equipment.

"Canada's New Government supports projects that strengthen our communities," said Mr. MacKenzie. "Funding for these projects enables the County of Oxford to properly upgrade their water supply system and will improve the quality of life of residents in this community."

"Upgrades to the County of Oxford's 21 well supply systems will improve the quality of the drinking water for numerous households and are an example of our government's commitment to upgrade essential infrastructure - an important part of Ontario's plan for rural communities," said Ms. Van Bommel. "We are proud to participate in a project that helps to provide access to safer, cleaner drinking water for the region."

"These upgrades were of utmost importance to help us meet our infrastructure needs," said Warden Holbrough. "We are pleased to have partnered with our federal and provincial partners in making our community a safer place to live."
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:

Paul Holbrough
Warden of the Restructured County of Oxford
519-539-9800

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

Linda Hann
Industry Canada
416-952-0468