Three Wellington County municipalities will receive federal funding for local water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
Nearly $1 million in funding through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF) will go to projects in Wellington North, Mapleton and Minto. The funding includes:
– $20,009 to Mapleton for the addition of three wastewater forcemain valves for the Drayton wastewater system. The project was slated to begin in early May;
– $445,469 to Wellington North for upgrades to the Arthur Wastewater Treatment Plant project, set to begin in December; and
– $498,740 to Minto to upgrade approximately 420m of sanitary sewer, storm-water and watermain as part of a reconstruction project on George Street set to begin in November.
Perth-Wellington MP John Nater noted in a press release the funding is part of $3,170,508 in CWWF funding for 11 projects across the riding.
“This is welcome News given the tremendous infrastructure needs in the area of water and wastewater,” said Nater in a May 31 press release.
“Providing adequate water and wastewater infrastructure is vital in order for our rural communities to continue to grow and prosper.”
However, Nater expressed disappointment in the length of time it has taken for the funding to be announced.
“Many of these projects were scheduled to begin months ago. I wrote to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities on multiple occasions over the past 19 months regarding urgent and specific infrastructure projects in Perth-Wellington,” Nater stated.
“The funds were delayed nonetheless. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has also criticized the current federal government for delaying the distribution of infrastructure funding.”
Eight of the 11 local projects have already passed their anticipated start date.
Under the CWWF the federal government will provide 50 per cent of the anticipated cost of local water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
Regardless, local officials were pleased to hear of the funding
“The approval under CWWF allows the town to address critical water and wastewater infrastructure on George Street in Harriston,” said Minto Mayor George Bridge.
“Minto is very pleased with the commitment both senior levels of government have made to on-going municipal infrastructure work.”
North-Perth Mayor Julie Behrns stated, “The Municipality of North Perth is pleased to have received CWWF funding totalling $639,000 from the federal government for our biosolids upgrades. This funding will assist North Perth in strengthening our wastewater treatment infrastructure.
“Adequate and efficient wastewater treatment services are critical for the future growth, development, and vitality of North Perth, including our ability to attract and retain business and industry.”
