Government of Canada Announces $2 Million Grant for Port Hope Under the Ontario Potable Water Program

PORT HOPE, Ontario, September 2, 2008 — Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, is pleased to announce a grant of $2,139,519 for the Municipality of Port Hope under the Ontario Potable Water Program (OPWP).

More than $5 million in financial support has been approved to date under this Government of Canada program, announced in February 2008. The OPWP provides up to $50 million in financial support to promote local economic development in municipalities that have experienced increased costs for their Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program (COIP) water projects to comply with changes to Ontario drinking water regulations.

"Our Government recognizes that Canada's future depends on the success of its communities, both large and small, and we are committed to ensuring they have the necessary resources to thrive and prosper," said MP Norlock.

"This funding will allow the municipality to direct resources towards other community priorities such as economic development and infrastructure," said Linda Thompson, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope.

Municipalities may be considered for financial support under the program upon completion of their COIP drinking water projects. As projects are completed, Industry Canada officials will contact these municipalities directly to confirm their eligibility and interest in applying for the OPWP. Once applications are assessed, municipalities will be informed and grants will be announced. Financial support under the OPWP must be delivered to municipalities by March 31, 2011.

For more information on the OPWP, please visit http://www.ic.gc.ca

For more information, please contact:

Laryssa Waler
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200

Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502