Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott
MPP Arnott Continues Call for Funding to Fix the Conestogo Dam Will Join Township of Mapleton for Tour of Dam
Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott is continuing to put forward the case for Provincial funding needed to repair the Conestogo Dam.
Expressing regret that he had to address the issue again in the Ontario Legislature on June 20, 2001, Mr. Arnott also reiterated that the matter should have been resolved “months ago.”
“The repairs will cost between $1.2 million and $1.5 million, a burden that the Grand River Conservation Authority and the watershed municipalities should not have to bear alone,” he maintained.
“It continues to be my position that the province should become a major funding partner for these repairs and that they should consider funding the maintenance of flood control structures throughout the province. The Conestogo Dam is essential, and without the necessary repairs, in a worst-case scenario, lives could be lost in a flood and drinking water downstream could be at risk,” Mr. Arnott reminded the Legislature.
Based on a written response to him from the chair and CEO of the Ontario SuperBuild Corporartion, David Lindsay, Mr. Arnott explained that he had yet to receive any indication as to whether provincial support would be made available. He stated that he would join representatives of Mapleton Township for a tour of the Conestogo Dam to be hosted by the Grand River Conservation Authority on Monday June 25, 2001.
Mr. Arnott's statement was enhanced by the presence of Mapleton Township officials in the Legislative Chamber.
“I am pleased to acknowledge my guests here in the east gallery: Mapleton Mayor Carl Hall; Councillor Jim Curry is here, as well as CAO Patty Sinnamon. Councillors Mike Downey and Earl Campbell will arrive shortly, I think. The Conestogo Dam is located in their township,” Mr. Arnott informed the House.
“I look forward to joining Mayor Hall and Council for their tour of the Conestogo Dam on Monday, June 25. In addition to serving as mayor, Mr. Hall is also chair of our rural water quality program review committee. It is my hope that the tour will generate the support and information needed to convince the government to help us fix the Conestogo Dam,” Mr. Arnott concluded.
The delegation from Mapleton Township also met with Environment Minister Elizabeth Witmer and Ministry officials that day to discuss funding for water and sewer upgrades.
Mr. Arnott's provincial riding of Waterloo-Wellington includes all of Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich Townships, a southwestern part of the City of Kitchener, and much of Wellington County. |
