Township of Lake of the Woods to Improve Local Bridge

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

RAINY RIVER — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Township of Lake of the Woods today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace Old Highway Bridge.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $50,000 in the project. The Township of Lake of the Woods will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $150,000. 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.

This project will include replacing the three-cell timber structure with an arch pipe bridge sized to current standards, and improving the roadway approaches.

"Canada's new government supports working with the other levels of government to get things done. Lake of the Woods needs this bridge replacement, and we are proud to step up and help," said Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health and Federal Minister responsible for COMRIF. "By investing in this project, we are investing in the individuals and families that live in this community."

"Today's announcement for the Township of Lake of the Woods is part of the McGuinty government's commitment to essential infrastructure projects across Ontario," said David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources. "We are strengthening our northern and rural communities and improving the prosperity of our people, by making sure our bridges are safe and dependable."

"Replacement of this structure will provide a viable alternative to Highway 621 for agricultural traffic and emergency vehicles," said Valerie Pizey, Mayor of the Township of Lake of the Woods.

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:

Valerie Pizey
Mayor of the Township of Lake of the Woods
807-852-3529

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: 13769