Municipality of The Nation, United Counties of Prescott and Russell, Township of Champlain to Improve Local Water and Bridge Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

ST-ISIDORE — 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 our provincial and municipal counterparts to get things done. These communities are in need of water and bridge improvements, and we are proud to step up to get these projects completed," said Pierre Lemieux, MP for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell. "When we invest in projects such as these, we are investing in the individuals and families that live here."

"Through COMRIF, the McGuinty government is improving the quality of life in rural communities such as The Nation, United Counties of Prescott and Russell, and Champlain by renewing essential health and safety infrastructure," said Jean Marc Lalonde, MPP for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell. "COMRIF is part of the ReNew Ontario initiative, a five-year, $30 billion strategic infrastructure investment plan that is delivering real results in our communities."

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 $3,911,559 to build a water distribution system and establish a new ground water supply to service the Village of St-Isidore. The Municipality of The Nation will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $11,734,678. Phase One will consist of constructing a pumping station and water transmission main from Plantagenet to St-Isidore. Phase Two will consist of expanding the Lefaivre water treatment plant and building a water transmission main from Alfred to Plantagenet.

"Connecting to a large drinking water system will yield immediate benefits by reducing the operating and maintenance costs and will provide our residents with a reliable source of drinking water," said Denis Pommainville, Mayor of the Municipality of The Nation.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $666,667 to rehabilitate Jessop's Falls Bridge. The United Counties of Prescott and Russell will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $2,000,000. Work will include repairing the concrete and bearings, replacing the expansion joints, constructing new barrier walls, paving and waterproofing the bridge deck and approaches, installing steel beam guiderails on the approaches and stabilizing the embankments.

"By rehabilitating this essential bridge, the United Counties of Prescott and Russell will assure safe passage for residential and commercial traffic over the next 25 years," said Gary Barton, Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $79,167 to upgrade Ritchance Bridge. The Township of Champlain will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $237,500. The rehabilitation of the existing bridge over Atocas Creek will include replacing and widening the deck from 5.5 m to 9.8 m, replacing the railings, and constructing new pile, footings, abutments and wing walls.

"Local residents and agricultural businesses will benefit directly from the rehabilitation and widening of the bridge, which will support the long-term economic well-being of our local industries," said Gary Barton, Mayor of the Township of Champlain.

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.

- 30 -

Contacts:

Denis Pommainville
Mayor of the Municipality of The Nation
613-764-5444

Gary Barton
Warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell
613-675-4661

Gary Barton
Mayor of the Township of Champlain
613-678-3003

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