MARKHAM— The McGuinty government is supporting local efforts to repair dams andf loodway channels through a $ 311, 000. 00 investment in the Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure Program of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, announced Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges- Markham.

"This investment will help the Conservation Authority and the local municipalities in the watershed carry out important studies and repair projects to help maintain existing dams and flood control channels," said Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges – Markham.

"Since 2003, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has received over $1.4 million dollars in funding towards the repair of water and erosion control infrastructure, including $311,000 in 2008 alone,” says Brian Denney, Chief Administrative Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. “This funding has been vital at offsetting some of the costs associated with the upkeep of Toronto's massive water-related infrastructure, including large-scale maintenance works at flood control dams such as Claireville and G. Ross Lord; and the replacement of several sections of flood control channel in the Don River and Black Creek in the Humber watershed."

"The Water and Erosion Control Infrastructure Program provides support and funding for studies of and repairs to existing dams and erosion control structures across the province," said Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield. "These projects make an important contribution to the ongoing maintenance of existing water related infrastructure in Ontario, and I commend the local municipalities who have contributed financially to this program over the years."

The ministry works with the province’s 36 conservation authorities and their member municipalities to build and maintain dams and other flood control works which help protect lives and property throughout Ontario. Through this partnership program, the ministry provides professional resource management expertise and funding that leverages additional resources to carry out on-the-ground infrastructure repair work on dams and floodways across Ontario.