Township of Central Frontenac to Improve Local Road

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

SHARBOT LAKE — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Township of Central Frontenac today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to upgrade Road 38.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $2,011,602 in the project. The Township of Central Frontenac will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $6,034,806. 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.

The Township of Central Frontenac will reconstruct and widen seven sections of Road 38, formerly King's Highway 38, starting just north of the south township boundary and ending at the southern limits of Sharbot Lake.

"I am pleased to announce funding to upgrade Road 38, as it will have a positive impact for the residents and businesses that depend on this route," said Scott Reid, MP for Lanark–Frontenac–Lennox and Addington. "This investment demonstrates the new federal government's commitment to working collectively to improve roads and other infrastructure in rural areas."

"Improving essential infrastructure such as our roads is a key part of our rural plan," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and MPP for Hastings–Frontenac–Lennox and Addington. "Today's announcement shows that the McGuinty government is making progress in strengthening our communities and providing greater opportunities for Ontario's greatest asset — our people."

"This project will preserve the safety of this high-volume road in our community, and I am grateful for the contributions of the federal and provincial governments that make this project a reality," said Bill MacDonald, Mayor of the Township of Central Frontenac.

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:

Bill MacDonald
Mayor of the Township of Central Frontenac
613-279-2935

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:  14039