Brighton and Cobourg Celebrate Government of Canada Grant

BRIGHTON, Ontario, August 14, 2008 — Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, celebrates today the $78,830 grant awarded to the Municipality of Brighton, and the $101,974 grant awarded to the Town of Cobourg, under the Ontario Potable Water Program (OPWP).

The OPWP, announced in February 2008, 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.

"The Government of Canada believes that strong, safe, modern communities like Brighton and Cobourg are essential building blocks for Canada's competitiveness and long-term prosperity," said MP Norlock.

"This additional financing from the federal government assists our community in building our economic capacity," said Christine Herrington, Mayor of the Municipality of Brighton.

"We are pleased to receive this OPWP grant, which will help address financial pressures and enable us to respond to local economic development opportunities," said Peter Delanty, Mayor of the Town of Cobourg.

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