PRESCOTT – Winterization of the Prescott Water Pollution Control Centre (WPCC) will soon be complete, ensuring that both Prescott and Edwardsburg-Cardinal will have year-round access to a functional wastewater treatment system.

The town is installing insulation and steel cladding around the WPCC’s above-ground tanks in order to prevent their contents from freezing during winter months. This will reduce heat loss and limit the tanks’ exposure to cold temperatures, which pose significant challenges for the proper operation and maintenance of the facility. The project is scheduled for completion in early March.

“Our Government recognizes the importance of safe, clean, and trustworthy wastewater infrastructure,” said Gordon Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Upgrading the current systems will ensure that they provide reliable and efficient service to Prescott and its neighbouring communities.”

“Through our Open Ontario Plan, we’re investing in infrastructure projects that are making our communities safer, stronger and more sustainable,” said Jim Brownell, Member of Provincial Parliament for Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure. “This improved treatment facility will give the people of Prescott and Edwardsburg-Cardinal a water treatment system they can rely on for many years to come.”

"Adding insulation and cladding to the wastewater facility will improve its operating efficiency through our winter months, so we are very thankful of the provincial and federal assistance here," said Brett Todd, Mayor of the Town of Prescott. "I would also like to thank our town staff, principally Public Works Director Craig Cullen, for his leadership in addressing the issue with our wastewater centre and working with both senior levels of government to get this worthy project finished."

The governments of Canada and Ontario have each committed $50,000 under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund toward the project. The Town of Prescott is contributing the remaining costs. The total eligible cost of the project is $150,000.

As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding to nearly 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country.

The contribution from the Province of Ontario comes from its 2009 provincial budget, which is supporting more than 300,000 jobs and strengthening Ontario's economy.

Since 2007, the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed more than $13 billion in funding to over 6,400 infrastructure projects across the province.