Ontario’s Water Strategy At Work
McGuinty Government Protecting Water And Wastewater Services In Communities
May 18, 2011
NEWS
Eighty-five small rural and northern communities will get additional help in order for families to continue to have access to clean, safe, reliable water and affordable wastewater services.
To modernize and improve smaller communities aging infrastructure, Ontario will support communities to fix leaking pipes to help with water conservation and launch projects to improve water efficiency.
In 2000, Ontario witnessed a tragedy because of contaminated water in Walkerton. More than 120 recommendations were made and the government implemented every single one of them. Ontario has the highest standards for drinking water in North America and has gone on to develop water technologies that not only provide safe, reliable, clean drinking water to Ontarians but to the rest of the world. This has also benefited Ontarians by creating clean jobs and protecting one of our most valuable resources for our children and our grandchildren.
QUOTES
“Protecting our most precious resource remains a top priority. Ontario is committed to protecting our water through modern infrastructure so that our children, our grandchildren and great grandchildren continue to have access to safe and clean water.”
- Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure
“Ontario’s water strategy is improving access to clean water for farmers and families in rural Ontario, creating skilled jobs and boosting our economy for present and future generations.”
- Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
QUICK FACTS
- In total, Ontario will provide $50 million, over four years, to support water and wastewater improvements in small communities.
- Across the province, the clean water industry employs 22,000 and generates $1.8 billion in sales.
- Municipalities, conservation authorities and Aboriginal organizations can now apply for Showcasing Water Innovation funding to support community projects that effectively manage drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems.
- The Ontario Global Water Leadership Summit is being held in Toronto on May 17-18
- Since 2003, Ontario has committed about $1.8 billion for municipal water and wastewater infrastructure through a range of programs.
LEARN MORE
OSWAP-3 - Intake 1 Successful Applicants.
Read more about the Ontario Small Waterworks Assistance Program.
Find out how Ontario has become a clean water capital.
See how the government is revitalizing infrastructure across Ontario.
INFORMATION
Seirge LeBlanc
Minister’s Office
416-212-6020
Paul Gerard
Communications
416-327-7226