City of Kawartha Lakes to Replace Local Culvert

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

LINDSAY — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Kawartha Lakes today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace culvert 300041 on Thunder Bridge Road.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $108,333 in the project. The City of Kawartha Lakes will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $325,000. 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 the existing culvert with a new structure that meets current design standards, as well as improving the approaches, which will reduce long-term maintenance costs and provide a safe crossing.

"Canada's new government supports working with the other levels of government to get things done. There is a need for this replacement project, and we are proud to step up and help," said Barry Devolin, MP for Haliburton­–Kawartha Lakes–Brock. "By investing in this project, we are investing in the individuals and families that live here."

"The McGuinty government is investing in essential infrastructure projects across Ontario, including the City of Kawartha Lakes," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "We are strengthening our rural communities and improving the prosperity of our people by making sure our infrastructure is safe and dependable."

"This work is essential to businesses and residents in our community and will have a positive impact on local agricultural operations," said Barbara Kelly, Mayor of the City of Kawartha Lakes.

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:

Barbara Kelly
Mayor of the City of Kawartha Lakes
705-324-9411

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: 13931