A total of $36-million will be spent to help prevent basement flooding and untreated water going into the Thames River in London.
London MPs Kate Young and Peter Fragiskatos joined MPP and Deputy Premier Deb Matthews and Mayor Matt Brown to announce the funding on Wednesday afternoon. Speaking outside the Greenway Pollution Control Centre, Young announced the federal government's approval of more than $18-million dollars in funding for projects in London. More than $9-million in funding is coming from the provincial government, while the City of London will also kick in about $9-million.
According to the city, the money will be used to increase the capacity of sewer systems to lessen the risk of basement flooding and the release of untreated wastewater into the Thames.
“Homeowners impacted by flooded basements know all too well how important it is for governments to invest in sewer infrastructure. I’ve heard from homeowners who have been dealing with these issues for many years, and I’m happy the federal government is investing in repairing infrastructure so that basements can keep dry and our river stays clean,” said Young.
The money will also be used to improve retention ponds to improve stormwater flow, separate sewer lines so less stormwater makes it to the treatment plants, and purchase a waste heat recovery system at Greenway that will generate electricity to power the facility. City officials estimate that will reduce Greenway's yearly electricity bill by It's estimated the yearly savings on electricity costs will be in the neighbourhood of $650,000.
“This funding will help us address something we're all concerned about - sewage discharge into our river. It will also help prevent heart breaking and frustrating basement flooding for many Londoners,” said Mayor Brown. “This is another step towards making London one of the greenest Cities in Canada.”
