Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen and County of Peterborough to Improve Local Bridge and Wastewater Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

HAVELOCK  — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and municipal leaders today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to build strong and sustainable communities.

"Canada's new government supports working with the provinces and municipalities to get things done. These projects are about more than just roads or bridges. They are about building these communities," said Dean Del Mastro, MP for Peterborough "When we invest in renewal projects such as these, we are investing in the individuals and families that live here."

"Through COMRIF, the McGuinty government is strengthening rural Ontario," said Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough. "Our government is investing in the prosperity of our people, by improving the health and safety of residents in the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen and County of Peterborough."

The Government of Canada's contributions are contingent on the successful completion of an environmental assessment of the proposed projects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $1,500,000 to upgrade the Havelock Water Pollution Control Plant. The Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $4,500,000. The upgraded plant will include an improved septage treatment system, the use of ultraviolet disinfection and new high-efficiency equipment to enable increased energy conservation.

"Through the COMRIF partnership, we are ensuring a cleaner, safer local environment and introducing an economically viable pollution control system that will benefit area residents," said Ronald Gerow, Reeve of the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $404,731 to replace Mississauga River Bridge. The County of Peterborough will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $1,214,194. The bridge, located on County Road 36, will be replaced with a new two-lane steel girder structure to be installed on a new alignment immediately north of the existing bridge.

"We are pleased to move forward with this important bridge project that meets our needs and ensures the continued sustainable development of the County of Peterborough," said Neal Cathcart, Warden of the County of Peterborough.

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:

Ronald Gerow
Reeve of the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
705-778-2308

Neal Cathcart,
Warden of the County of Peterborough
705-743-0380

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