Township of Essa to Improve Local Bridge

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

UTOPIA — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Township of Essa today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace 5th Line Bridge.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $505,667 in the project. The Township of Essa will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $1,517,000. 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 Essa will replace 5th Line Bridge that crosses the Nottawasaga River, north of Highway 89. The single-lane bridge will be replaced with a two-lane structure.

"Canada's new government understands that modern essential infrastructure is a major contributor to the quality of life in our communities," said Helena Guergis, MP for Simcoe–Grey. "The increased security, which will result from the widening of this bridge, demonstrates what can be achieved when we focus on delivering results to Ontarians."

"Improving our bridges is a key part of our rural plan," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "Today's announcement to replace 5th Line Bridge in the Township of Essa shows we are improving the prosperity of our people by making sure our infrastructure is safe and dependable."

"Replacing 5th Line Bridge with a two-lane structure will not only increase public safety, but will also improve the overall economic vitality of our community, and we are pleased to work federal and provincial partners to achieve these objectives," said David Guergis, Mayor of the Township of Essa. 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:

David Guergis
Mayor of the Township of Essa
705-424-9770

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:  13913