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Three-year-old funding announced in Ripley By Darrell Ziegler The Federal and Provincial governments invited members of the press to a funding announcement for the Township of Huron-Kinloss in Ripley on Friday, February 2; the announcement, funding applied for in 2003. A media advisory was circulated on Feb 1 stating, “The governments of Canada and Ontario will announce an investment in the Township of Huron-Kinloss through the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure program (COIP).” The announcement was a little late. The announcement was nothing new to the township or those who follow the news. The funding was approved years ago, with most of the work already complete. Treasurer Jodi MacArthur says that the province committed the funds about three years ago and that the federal government announced it would honour the deal in 2006. The funding announcement stemmed from an application sent out by the township in 2003 for upgrades to the Lakeshore, Lucknow, Ripley and Whitechurch water systems, under the old OSTAR (Ontario Small Town and Rural infrastructure funding) program. The upgrades were required to bring the municipal water system into compliance with the Ontario Drinking Water Systems Regulation; regulations brought down by the province. The upgrades included increasing chlorine contact in each of the systems, installing low chlorine and high turbidity alarms, constructing chemical storage tank containment barriers and installing chlorine residual analyzers. The upgrades were completed about two years ago, with the exception of the Whitechurch system. Work on that system is expected to start in the spring of 2007. MacArthur says that funds are not received until the work has been done and proof of the costs, etc. are forwarded to the government. She hopes to have all the paperwork out by the end of March, to receive an advance on some of the money already put out by the township. Perth-Middlesex Conservative MP Gary Schellenberger was on hand, on behalf of Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister responsible for the Canada–Ontario Infrastructure Program, along with Huron-Bruce MP Paul Steckle and Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell. Speeches were made, photos were taken. Many had hoped that the province would step up the plate with financial help with the septic re-inspection program or one of the other environmental programs funded solely by the township. No such help was announced and none was promised in the foreseeable future. Those from the press were confused, as were some members of council as to why a press release and photo op would be held for funding stemming from a 2003 application. Before the various government representatives talked about their governments accomplishments , Deputy Mayor Wilf Gamble made the introductions and thanked them on behalf of the township. “I want to thank you all for giving us some money that we spent ages ago and we loved it," he joked. The representatives chuckled at the well-meaning jab and Conservative MP Gary Schellenberger said a few words, followed by Liberal MPP Carol Mitchell and Liberal MP Paul Steckle. When the speeches were through, no new funding was announced, however photos were taken of the event. |
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