Goderich, Ontario, October 28, 2010 — Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron—Bruce, was recently in Huron-Kinloss to celebrate the $40,754 Ontario Potable Water Program grant awarded to the municipality.

The program, 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 water projects to comply with changes to Ontario provincial drinking water regulations.

“The federal government recognizes the challenges faced by some municipalities due to provincial regulatory changes.  That is why, through the Ontario Potable Water Program, we are helping communities to continue to prosper and grow while ensuring a clean environment.” said MP Lobb. 

"We are pleased to have received this support from the federal government,” said Mitch Twolan, Mayor of Huron--Kinloss.  “This funding will help ease the pressure our municipality has faced as a result of the provincial regulatory changes.”

When municipalities have completed their Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program drinking water projects, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) will contact them directly to confirm their eligibility and interest in applying for the program. Once applications are assessed, municipalities will be informed and grants will be announced. Financial support under the Ontario Potable Water Program must be delivered to municipalities by March 31, 2011.

For more information on the OPWP, please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca.