Contract awarded for new water distribution system to supply Point Pelee National Park of Canada

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October 05, 2006

LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO – On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent—Essex, today announced that Parks Canada is investing in the installation of a water line to supply Point Pelee National Park of Canada with drinking water from the Union Water Treatment System and distribution system of the Municipality of Leamington.

“Parks Canada seeks to promote responsible and sustainable use of the special places in our network of national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites,” said Minister Ambrose. “Compliance with public health and environmental requirements is a top priority at each site owned or operated by Parks Canada.”

The competitive contract for this project has been awarded to Marchand Excavating Contractors Limited of Comber, Ontario by Public Works and Government Services Canada on behalf of Parks Canada. The $517,437.30 contract includes the installation of a 7 km water main, extensions and water service connections for various facilities and buildings throughout the park. Work is expected to begin shortly and to be completed by December 15th, 2006.

The existing drinking water system at Point Pelee is outdated and requires constant testing and maintenance. Linking the National Park with the Municipality of Leamington’s water distribution system will significantly reduce testing and maintenance costs while ensuring continued compliance with the Parks Canada Drinking Water Guidelines.

“Providing Point Pelee National Park of Canada with drinking water from the Municipality of Leamington will cost much less in the long term than the current system of wells that must be frequently tested,” said Mr. Van Kesteren. “Monitoring costs, which can reach $30,000 each year, will be greatly reduced and the frequent repairs of the existing distribution system will virtually be eliminated once the new system is up and running.”

Established in 1918, Point Pelee National Park of Canada is part of an important North American bird and butterfly migration corridor and is the southernmost point in mainland Canada.

On behalf of the people of Canada, Parks Canada protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage and fosters public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of its heritage treasures in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.

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