Water Treatment Plant Upgrades in Schreiber
Province Creating Jobs, Building Up Critical Infrastructure in in Small, Rural and Northern Communities
“By expanding the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund from $100 million to $300 million, our government is showing municipalities across Ontario that we’re committed to working with them to address the critical infrastructure they need in their communities through predictable, stable funding. The province is laying the foundation for sustainable economic development, creating jobs and new economic opportunities in rural and northern communities across Ontario.” Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Ontario is providing the Municipality of Schreiber with a $1.9 million investment to install a clearwell for treated water storage and upgrades to controls, pumps and piping at the Schreiber Water Treatment Plant through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund– one of 59 approved projects across the province that will receive new funding.
The province is also providing small, rural and northern municipalities like Schreiber with expanded access to predictable, stable, annual funding to build and repair roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure. As announced in the 2016 Ontario Budget, funding for the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund will triple from $100 million to $300 million per year by 2018-19, which will include $200 million in predictable, formula-based funding and $100 million in application-based funding. This will allow smaller municipalities to apply for investments in critical infrastructure projects to create jobs and support local economic growth.
“I’m proud that our government is investing in upgrading the Schreiber Water Treatment Plant for our community. The province’s commitment to investing in small and rural infrastructure will help keep our communities strong while creating jobs and improving the quality of drinking water in Schreiber.” Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North, Minister of Northern Development and Mines
Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history — about $160 billion over 12 years, which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province, with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals. In 2015, the province announced support for more than 325 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life.
“The Township of Schreiber is thrilled with this funding announcement. Water storage will improve reliability, safety, and reduce energy costs in our community. We are grateful to the Province of Ontario for their support as this essential project would not be possible without them.” Mayor Mark Figliomeni, Township of Schreiber
“By continuing to partner with municipalities across Ontario, we’re providing stable funding to help small, rural and northern communities undertake critical infrastructure projects that will boost their economies, create jobs, and allow them to implement their asset management plans.” Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
Expanding and improving infrastructure for Ontario’s small, rural and northern municipalities is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
QUICK FACTS
- Currently, 50 per cent of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund is allocated annually using a fair and transparent formula, which recognizes that municipalities have different infrastructure and fiscal needs. The remaining 50 per cent is available through an application-based process, allowing municipalities to continue partnering with the province to invest in critical infrastructure projects.
- To date, 137 critical infrastructure projects have been approved through the OCIF’s application-based component for a total investment of $174 million. In addition, 425 communities have received formula-based grants for a total provincial investment of $50 million per year.
- The new changes to the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund reflect consultation feedback from municipal leaders from across Ontario about improvements to the program.
