An expansion and pumping station upgrades at the Mandaumin Reservoir in Plympton-Wyoming are being celebrated.
The project, which saw the addition of two new steel water storage tanks, started last May and was completed June 23.
Local dignitaries gathered with Ontario's Natural Resources and Forestry Minister for a grand opening ceremony at the Confederation Line site Friday morning.
Kathryn McGarry says the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) provided $2-million toward the $3.5-million construction.
"It used to be a fund that had $100-million, its increased this year to $200-million and by 2019 will be up to $300-million," says McGarry. "This OCIF funding allows municipalities to apply for projects for critical infrastructure in their municipalities that they wouldn't be able to afford without some funding from the government."
She says the fund has been well sought after by municipalities.
"Water sewer trunks, water reservoirs, roads, bridges, pipes underground... at some point they have to be upgraded and sometimes replaced," says McGarry.
Sarnia Lambton MPP Bob Bailey is pleased to have the new facility online.
"The people of Petrolia will be well-served by having a new reservoir that nearly doubles the capacity of the previous facility," says Bailey. "After nearly 50 years, the old reservoir served the community well."
The upgrades provide security to the water supply and ensure adequate supply of water to both the Town of Petrolia and existing customers of Petrolia's Bright's Grove Water Treatment plant.
