City of Barrie to Improve Local Waste Management System

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

BARRIE — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Barrie today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to modify and relocate the composting site in Barrie.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $493,221 in the project. The City of Barrie will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $1,479,662. The Government of Canada's contribution is contingent on the successful completion of an environmental assessment of the proposed project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

As part of the project, a new compost turner and wheeled loader will be purchased, and a recycling education facility will be constructed.

"Through this investment, the city is advancing recycling and composting efforts and protecting the health and safety of residents in Barrie," said Patrick Brown, MP for Barrie. "As a former municipal councillor, I understand the importance of these initiatives and this is why I am pleased to announce the Government of Canada's support towards this COMRIF project, which will improve the quality of life of our residents."

"The McGuinty government is improving the health, environment and prosperity of our people," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "With the important infrastructure improvements we are announcing today, we are showing our commitment to rural Ontario."

"This project is an important component of Barrie's Landfill Optimization and Waste Diversion Plan aimed at conserving valuable landfill space and promoting a clean and healthy environment, and I am thankful for the support from the federal and provincial governments," said Rob Hamilton, Mayor of the City of Barrie.

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:

Rob Hamilton
Mayor of the City of Barrie
705-726-4242

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 Leona Dombrowsky
416-326-3072

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

Project Reference Number:  13929