Casselman Receives Government of Canada Ontario Potable Water Program Grant

CASSELMAN, Ontario, June 9, 2008 — Pierre Lemieux, Member of Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, celebrated with municipal officials the $70,738 grant that the Village of Casselman was provided 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.

"Our Government is delivering on its commitment to foster a growing economy, a cleaner environment and stronger, more prosperous communities in Ontario and across the country," said MP Lemieux. "We have recognized the economic challenges that some municipalities have faced in complying with changes to Ontario drinking water regulations and our Government is pleased to be part of the solution."

"The Council and residents thank the government for helping to ease the additional pressure that we felt as a result of the regulatory changes," said Conrad Lamadeleine, Mayor of the Village of Casselman.

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