Township of Lake of Bays to Improve Local Bridge

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

DWIGHT — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Township of Lake of Bays today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to rehabilitate Boyne River Bridge.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $116,822 in the project. The Township of Lake of Bays will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $350,467. 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 the construction of a new reinforced concrete deck slab, replacement of the existing railings, elimination of expansion joints and installation of approach guiderails.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of renewing existing infrastructure in Northern communities, such as the Lake of Bays," said Tony Clement, MP for Parry Sound–Muskoka, Federal Minister of Health and Federal Minister responsible for COMRIF. "By providing funding for this project, we are encouraging the prosperity of the community and enhancing the quality of life of residents."

"Today's announcement shows the McGuinty government's progress in improving essential infrastructure in Northern Ontario," said David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources. "We are working closely with municipalities like the Township of Lake of Bays to ensure that Ontarians' health and safety continue to be protected."

"This COMRIF investment is great news for our community as it will allow us to rehabilitate Boyne River Bridge and enhance the safety of the structure for residential and emergency vehicles," said Janet Peake, Mayor of the Township of Lake of Bays.

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:

Janet Peake
Mayor of the Township of Lake of Bays
705-635-2272

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: 13465