Joe Preston, chairing closed-door update on divestiture talks, dials down federal funding hopes
By CHIP MARTIN

Joe Preston is downplaying expectations Tuesday's federal budget will include major public works money to clean up Port Stanley harbour.

The Conservative MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London noted the government is talking about transferring the harbour to local officials and undertaking an environmental assessment, "Halfway through a sale, do you put a new wing on your house?" Preston asked. "I wouldn't know where to put the money right now."

His assertion came after he chaired a closed-door meeting between officials from Transport Canada and Central Elgin for an update on divestiture negotiations.

Preston has acknowledged Ottawa has committed to cleaning up the industrial contaminants found in the harbour water, sediment and lands. Coal tar and mercury are being swept into the nearby intake for the water system that supplies about 100,000 customers in Elgin County and south London, studies have shown. And arsenic, toluene, selenium, lead and other toxins are in harbour land and groundwater.

"It's not about being quick, it's about being right," he said.

Preston conceded expectations are sky high across the region for infrastructure money Ottawa will use to stimulate the economy.

At Port Stanley, risk assessment work commissioned by Transport Canada is expected to be completed and made public late this year.

"There is no sense fixing it until we know the total report," he said.

Preston hinted money for maintenance might be found to repair the pier or breakwater.

"We do probably have to fix the pier," he said. "It has trees growing out of it."

Preston's addition analogy prompted port activist Dan McNeil to say: "Wouldn't you fix the leaky roof of the house you are trying to sell? There are no wings going on here."

McNeil has unearthed reports showing the extent of harbour contamination and has rapped Transport Canada and the secrecy it has imposed on divestiture talks.

McNeil has highlighted the potential for contamination of the Elgin- area water supply system.

Central Elgin Mayor Sylvia Hofhuis called yesterday's meeting helpful. "We clarified a lot of issues."

She said the municipality will hold a news conference with Preston next week to talk about the divestiture situation and related issues.