Township of Brock to Improve Local Bridge

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

CANNINGTON — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Township of Brock today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace Thorah Sideroad Bridge No. 36.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $111,604 in the project. The Township of Brock will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $334,813. 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, Thorah Sideroad Bridge No. 36 will be upgraded to a structural bridge-plate box. Work on the approach roads will also be undertaken.

"Canada's new government supports cooperative initiatives, such as COMRIF, that provide residents with fundamental infrastructure improvements that positively impact their overall quality of life," said Barry Devolin, MP for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock. "Replacing Thorah Sideroad Bridge No. 36 is a good investment for the individuals and families who live here."

"Today's announcement reflects the McGuinty government's commitment to invest in essential bridge projects like the bridge in the Township of Brock," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "We're committed to building strong rural communities, which are so important to the future of this province."

"We are pleased to receive COMRIF support from the governments of Canada and Ontario to replace this structure, which will ensure that our municipality benefits from improved delivery routes and reduced emergency vehicle response times," said Keith Shier, Mayor of the Township of Brock.

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:

Keith Shier
Mayor of the Township of Brock
705-432-2355

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: 13493