By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express

It will create jobs and stimulate the economy according to the governments of Ontario and
Canada, and it is something that is much needed in Durham right now.A recent announcement of more than $93 million in funding from the provincial and federal governments will go towards supporting the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant. The upgrades to the plant, while in Pickering, will strengthen Durham Region as a whole, says MPP Joe Dickson. “Ontario is committed to investing in infrastructure projects like this one in Pickering, that strengthen Durham and York Regions and support job creation to stimulate Ontario's economy,” says Dickson. The money will be used by Durham and York regions to upgrade the pollution control plant. The plant, which is jointly owned by the municipalities of Durham and York, is expected to exceed its capacity by next year. It receives most of its wastewater from the citizens of York Region, but also serves some residents of Durham. The governments of Canada and Ontario will each set aside up to $46.67 million for the project.

“Today's announcement is a reflection of our commitment to stimulate the economy, create jobs, improve the environment, and enhance quality of life,” says Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.“Maintaining healthy and clean water is directly related to the health and prosperity of residents in York and Durham region.” The Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant project is one of eight that the governments have recently announced, totaling more than $336.9 million. These projects are all aimed at supporting improved wastewater treatment communities located near Great Lakes. This particular wastewater treatment improvement project will aid the country and the province in meeting objectives under federal-provincial, as well as international water quality agreements.

These agreements include the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which expresses the commitment of Canada and the United States to restore and maintain the integrity of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem under the Boundary Waters Treaty.