Township of Guelph/Eramosa to Improve Local Bridges

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

ROCKWOOD — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Township of Guelph/Eramosa today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace bridges 13, 20 and 22.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $648,667 in the project. The Township of Guelph/Eramosa will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $1,946,000.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 project will include replacing bridges 13, 20 and 22 with new two-lane structures that will no longer have load limits. Additionally, the approach roads and structures will be realigned to provide better sight lines, the existing watercourse embankments will be stabilized and vegetation will be restored.

"Canada's new government supports working with the province of Ontario and municipalities to get things done. There is a need to replace these bridges, and we are proud to step up and help," said Michael Chong, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister for Sport and MP for Wellington–Halton Hills. "By investing in these projects, we are investing in the individuals and families that live in this community."

"The McGuinty government is improving the health and prosperity of our people," said Liz Sandals, MPP for Guelph–Wellington. "We are strengthening our rural communities by making sure our bridges are safe and dependable."

"Eliminating load restrictions and detours will not only enable more efficient residential and business traffic, but will also give our community's sustainability a boost," said Clint Martin, Mayor of the Township of Guelph/Eramosa.

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 in volving 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:

Clint Martin
Mayor of the Township of Guelph/Eramosa
519-856-9951

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:  13922