$6.1M for water infrastructure upgrades
The federal government is flowing another $6.1 million into 18 clean water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Niagara.
All projects commenced in the spring.
This funding is part of more than $569 million awarded by Ottawa across Ontario under the Canada-Ontario Clean Water and Wastewater Fund agreement.
The provincial government is providing up to $270 million across the province.
Provincial Finance Minister Charles Sousa at an announcement Thursday in Port Colborne called it the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario history.
“This project is essential to keeping our waterways clean,” Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey said, speaking on behalf of Amarjeet Sohi, the federal minister of infrastructure and communities.
He called the project a collaboration between all levels of government to encourage economic growth and the creation of middleclass jobs.
Of the federal funding, $303,000 is going to wastewater treatment plant upgrades in Port Colborne, with the province adding $151,667.
Port Colborne regional Coun. David Barrick said the projects are addressed in Niagara Region’s combined sewer overflow control policy, which facilitates shared funding to make repairs and upgrades necessary to reduce impacts of wet weather events.
St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley said these projects are not glamorous, but “are exceedingly important.”
He explained the federal government provides 50 per cent of the funding for the projects, leaving the province covering up to 25 per cent and then the remainder is on the municipality or region.
Sousa said it’s critical to make these strategic investments for long-term sustainability.
“Investments like this, whether it’s in large, small, urban or rural Ontario communities, strong, modern, public infrastructure is vital to growing the economy and ensuring … our quality of life.”
St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle also spoke at the announcement, noting the government is working to deliver on one of its key campaign promises to reduce the costs to municipalities and their residents through this type of funding.