Canada - Ontario Partnership Supports New Wastewater Treatment Facility In Kirkland Lake
February 02, 2010
Investment will create jobs and stimulate the economy
KIRKLAND LAKE, ONTARIO - Canada and Ontario are setting aside a joint investment of $32 million towards the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility in Kirkland Lake. This priority infrastructure funding will stimulate the local economy, create jobs and support stronger communities, while protecting the environment and improving water quality for the surrounding area. Brian Jean, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities; David Ramsay, MPP for Timiskaming-Cochrane on behalf of the Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure for Ontario, and His Worship Bill Enouy, Mayor of the Town of Kirkland Lake, made the announcement today.
"Canada's Economic Action Plan is ensuring that Kirkland Lake can restore reliable, safe and secure wastewater treatment services, and contribute to a healthy, clean environment that will have a direct impact on the well-being and prosperity of its citizens," said Mr. Jean. "As we enter Phase II of Canada's Economic Action plan, our priority will be to continue the rapid implementation of the Economic Action Plan and roll out the remaining stimulus projects across the country. At the same time, we are planning for deficit reduction once the economy has recovered, and we are building a strong foundation for job creation and economic growth."
"Ontario's investment in the town of Kirkland Lake's wastewater treatment facility will help preserve the environment around Murdock Creek and Blanche River," said Ramsay. "This will also help the Town boost their local economy, while implementing a more energy efficient facility. We anticipate that shovels will be in the ground by 2011."
"This is an important day for Kirkland Lake," said Mayor Enouy. "I want to thank both the federal and provincial governments. Their generous assistance has removed an incredible burden from our community, and will help position us to handle future growth and development".
Total eligible costs for this project are estimated at $35.5 million. The governments of Canada and Ontario will each set aside up to $16 million through the Green Infrastructure Fund.
Design of the new wastewater treatment facility will begin this year. Construction is expected to begin in 2011 and be complete by 2012. The new facility will provide advanced t! reatment of wastewater, an ultraviolet disinfection system and systems to treat and manage sludge. The new wastewater treatment facility will support improved water quality in the Great Lakes-St.Lawrence Basin, which includes Murdock Creek and the Blanche River.
The governments of Canada and Ontario have already announced up to $336.9 million in funding support under the Green Infrastructure Fund and Building Canada Fund for wastewater treatment projects in other communities located in or near the Great Lakes Basin.
Both governments continue to move forward with a number of large-scale infrastructure programs to assist Ontarians when they need it most.
Canada's Economic Action Plan is accelerating and expanding the existing $33-billion federal investment in infrastructure with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding across Canada over two years.
The Province of Ontario's contribution comes from the 2009 provincial budget, Confronting the Challenge: Building Our Economic Future. Ontario's two-year, $32.5-billon investment will support more than 300,000 jobs and strengthen Ontario's economy.
To date, the Governments of Canada and Ontario have announced close to $11 billion in joint funding for more than 2,600 infrastructure projects across the province to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
Learn More
Learn how the Government of Canada is investing in Ontario infrastructure.
Learn how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province.
Improving Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure In Kirkland Lake
Contact
James Kusie
Office of the Honourable John Baird
991-0700
Amy Tang
Office of the Honourable Brad Duguid
416-327-6747