Sydenham_water_relief

Jeff Green | Jun 01, 2006

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Sydenham WaterRelief grants

by JeffGreen

As the result of fundraising efforts, including the successful “Water Aid” concert from last July, low-income residents of Sydenham Village are now eligible for some relief from infrastructure and hook-up costs to the new Sydenham water system.

An application process has been developed and application forms are now available from the Rural VISIONS Centre, 4419 George Street , Sydenham; by email from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or by mailing a request to CFCSC, Box 43 , Sydenham , ON , K0H 2T0 .

Individuals and families who own and occupy single family residences, with incomes of $23,000 or less for a one-person household, to $39,900 for a five-person household, may be eligible for up to $4,000 in support.

Funding for the relief program has come from two sources: the Water Aid Concert that was organised by the Sydenham Safe Water Committee last August raised $22,000; and $6,200 was raised through a call for donations that was sent out by the township with the March municipal tax bills.

“The $28,000 could help seven or more families, provided low-income Sydenham residents who are subject to water costs apply to us for the funds,” said Beth Freeland of Rural VISIONS, which is handling the application process as a public service for the Sydenham Water Committee and the township.

Sydenham residents can expect to receive their bill for the water project sometime in July, according to the South Frontenac Township CAO Gord Burns.

“While the exact costs are not yet finalised, we are now confident it will be close to the estimates we gave out to people,” Burns said.

The Sydenham water plant is now operational and once testing and system flushing is complete, water is expected to be available for hook-up within two or three weeks.

Individuals requiring assistance to complete the application can contact Rural VISIONS Centre at 376-6477 to set a time for an appointment during regular office hours.

Information required on the application includes number of dependents, expenses, savings, RRSPs, RESPs and other assets, including recreational properties and/or vehicles. Applicants will be required to sign a release of information authorizing staff to confirm assets. Applicants will also agree to earn the grant by retaining ownership of the property for a minimum of three years.

The application must be completed and returned to Rural VISIONS Centre by June 29. Staff will determine and notify priority applicants by July 14, 2006. Payments will be submitted directly to the township to minimize bookkeeping for all parties involved.