Town of Bancroft and Municipalities of Tweed and Marmora and Lake to Improve Local Bridge and Wastewater Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

BANCROFT — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and municipal leaders today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to build strong and sustainable communities.

 "Canada's new government supports working with the other levels of government to get things done. These communities are in need of infrastructure improvements, and we are proud to step up and help," said Daryl Kramp, MP for Prince Edward–Hastings. "When we invest in projects such as these, we are investing in the individuals and families that live here."

"Ontario's rural infrastructure is essential to our well-being, our prosperity and our quality of life," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and MPP for Hastings–Frontenac–Lennox and Addington. "The McGuinty government recognizes that our greatest strength is our people and that their health and prosperity are vital to the future of Ontario."

The Government of Canada's contributions are contingent on the successful completion of an environmental assessment of the proposed projects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $3,219,167 to upgrade the Bancroft Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Town of Bancroft will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $9,657,500. The project involves upgrading the plant and extending the sanitary sewer collection to include a new pumping station.

"This significant wastewater upgrade will connect more residents with safe, clean water, and we are pleased to move forward on this essential project with our federal and provincial partners," said Charles W. Mullett, Mayor of the Town of Bancroft.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $691,500 to replace Marlbank Culvert and Sherry's and Doran's bridges in the project. The Municipality of Tweed will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $2,074,500. The new structures will provide full highway loading and approved railing systems.

"Improving this network of bridges is an important step toward building a safer and more efficient route for local and commercial traffic, and we are pleased to receive the support from the governments of Canada and Ontario," said Vance Drain, Reeve of the Municipality of Tweed.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $309,833 to replace Ackerman and Bronson's bridges. The Municipality of Marmora and Lake will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $929,500. The new bridges will provide full highway loading and an approved railing system.

"These new structures will be beneficial for our economy and our community and we are thrilled that, through our partnership with the governments of Canada and Ontario, we can make these upgrades happen," said Terry Clemens, Reeve of the Municipality of Marmora and Lake.

Under COMRIF, the governments of Canada and Ontario are working together with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and local partners to improve public infrastructure and quality of life for local residents in small urban and rural communities.

Intake Two builds on the successful first intake of the COMRIF initiative. As a result of funding provided by the governments of Canada and Ontario under the first and second intakes, infrastructure improvements are being made through 208 projects to make Ontario's communities stronger, healthier and safer.

COMRIF is a five-year, $900-million initiative that responds to local needs through infrastructure upgrades to provide clean, safe drinking water, better sewage systems, improved waste management processes, safer local roads and bridges, as well as other health and safety priorities. Green infrastructure is COMRIF's top priority, with 55 per cent of funding for projects involving water quality, sustainable communities, climate change and innovation.

COMRIF Intake Three will be launched in spring 2006 through a public announcement and direct contact with eligible municipalities. All Ontario municipalities of fewer than 250,000 people are eligible to apply to COMRIF to improve their local infrastructure.

For more information on the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, please visit www.comrif.ca.

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Contacts: 

Charles W. Mullett
Mayor of the Town of Bancroft
613-332-3331

Vance Drain
Reeve of the Municipality of Tweed
613-478-2535

Terry Clemens
Reeve of the Municipality of Marmora and Lake
613-472-2629

Dave McLeod
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
519-826-3198

Sam Boonstra,
Industry Canada
416-952-0468

Chris Flavelle,
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable
416-326-3072

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200