Town of Lincoln to Improve Local Bridge

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

BEAMSVILLE — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Town of Lincoln today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace Bridge No. 11 on Cherry Avenue.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $164,267 in the project. The Town of Lincoln will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $492,800. 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 Town of Lincoln will replace Bridge No. 11 on Cherry Avenue, which will involve structural rehabilitation of the deteriorated concrete and steel bridge.

"Canada's new government proudly supports this local infrastructure project in Lincoln," said Dean Allison, MP for Niagara West–Glanbrook. "This bridge replacement project will provide added security for the residents and businesses that rely on this route, while also encouraging tourism in the area already enhanced by the newly created greenbelt."

"The McGuinty government is improving essential infrastructure in our small urban and rural communities," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "Today's announcement shows how we are strengthening our rural communities and providing opportunities for our greatest asset — our people."

"We are happy to work with the federal and provincial governments on this project, which will ensure that important transportation routes in our community remain safe and dependable for motorists," said Bill Hodgson, Mayor of the Town of Lincoln.

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:

Bill Hodgson
Mayor of the Town of Lincoln
905-563-8205

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

Eric Bowman
Office of MP Dean Allison
905-353-7864

Project Reference Number:  13852