Feature Article September 30, 2004
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Sydenham Water: Ombudsmans Office Steps Inby Wilma Kenny
The Ontario Ombudsmans office has announced its intent to investigate an allegation that the Rural Investments Branch (of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs) was wrong in approving South Frontenacs funding application for a waterworks program.
In a letter dated September 20, B. Hirst, Investigator with the Ontario Ombudsmans Office, has notified the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs that they will be following up on a complaint made by the Sydenham Safe Water Association.
The letter states: "By way of background, the Township of South Frontenac passed a by-law in December 2002 authorizing the construction of the Sydenham Waterworks, a communal water system. The Township subsequently applied to the OSTAR Infrastructure Program at the Ministrys Rural Investments Branch for funding for this project and was approved for a grant of $3.7 million."
"Association members have reviewed the funding application and allege that it contains numerous instances of erroneous or misleading information. They believe that the Township was not eligible to receive funding for this project based on the criteria which are used by the Branch to evaluate proposals and that the application should not have been approved."
"We can assure you that we have not yet formed any opinion on this matter."
Ms Hirst has asked the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to provide the Ombudsmans office with a written response to the Associations complaint by October 15.
The Sydenham Water Project has been on hold pending further government funding, since last years tender bids came in higher than the original estimates.
