For Immediate Release
April 21, 2006

ONTARIO HELPS COMMUNITIES PROTECT DRINKING WATER SOURCES
Government Marks “Earth Week” With Grants to Support Local Water Protection Planning

KINGSTON ¾ The McGuinty government is safeguarding the health of Ontario families and communities by supporting the protection of our drinking water sources with grants for scientific studies, MPP John Gerretsen announced today on behalf of Minister of Environment Laurel Broten.
 
“Safe water is a cornerstone of community growth and prosperity,” said Gerretsen. “Local communities like Kingston are in the best position to develop water protection plans that work for our residents. This is why we are supporting research and planning efforts in rural and urban communities across the province.”

The McGuinty government is providing close to $10 million in grants for municipalities, part of the government’s $67.5 million commitment for source protection planning.

Kingston and The Islands received $263, 690 from the provincial government to assist with protecting community drinking water supplies.

The proposed Clean Water Act was introduced following broad consultations with municipalities, agriculture, conservation authorities, industry, non-governmental organizations, public health officials, water experts and the public. If passed, it would ensure that communities are able to identify potential risks to their supply of drinking water, and take action to reduce or eliminate these risks.

“This unprecedented piece of legislation with its focus on prevention is part of our plan to protect our drinking water from source to tap,” said Environment Minister Laurel Broten.

“Kingston will have the tools they need to develop and implement local plans to protect the sources of the water our residents drink,” said Gerretsen. “The result will be cleaner, safer water supplies and a healthier Kingston and Ontario.”

Today's announcement is just one way the McGuinty government is delivering on our commitment to improve the health of working families across Ontario.  By keeping our water clean and helping industry to create less air pollution we’re making the environment better for our children and all Ontario families.  We all win when we invest in the environment.

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For more information contact:
John Gerretsen, MPP
(613) 547-2385