Township residents will be getting some help from the province to improve the management of the community’s drinking water system.
Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson announced on March 17 that Mapleton will receive $154,288 over four years from the province’s Ontario Small Waterworks Assistance Program Part Two (OSWAP-2).
The goal of the $12-million program is to help deliver safe, clean drinking water by helping to cover operating costs for public systems serving municipalities with 1,001 to 5,000 residents.
“Investing in the management and administration of Ontario’s drinking water resources is an important initiative for the provincial government,” said Wilkinson.
“Today’s announcement shows the government’s continuing commitment to ensure rural communities, like Mapleton, have the necessary resources to manage their drinking water systems.”
Three communities in Perth-Wellington will benefit by receiving a total of $414,156 over four years through OSWAP-2.
“This assistance will really be of benefit to our community,” said Mayor John Green. “We would like to thank the province for recognizing the needs of Mapleton and for committing to provide us with stable funding for the next four years.”
Funding will be provided following the signing of a provincial contribution agreement.
Communities must commit to undertaking at least one of a number of projects designed to improve the management and operation of their drinking water systems. These projects include business planning, asset management planning, leakage audits and local operator training.
OSWAP-2 is the second stage of the $40 million funding program for small water systems announced in 2007.
