Township of O'Connor to Replace Local Culverts

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

KAKABEKA FALLS — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Township of O'Connor today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace culverts on Sitch and Strom roads.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $67,945 in the project. The Township of O'Connor will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $203,836. 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 township will replace the culvert on Sitch Road with a multi-plate steel arch culvert and three culverts on Strom Road with corrugated steel culverts.

"We are pleased to support this project in the Township of O'Connor, which will enhance the reliability of the road infrastructure in the community," said Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health and Federal Minister responsible for COMRIF. "Canada's new government supports working with our provincial and municipal counterparts to get things done. By investing in this project, we are investing in the individuals and families that live in this community."

"We recognize that improving the transportation network in this northern community is a priority for the people of the Township of O'Connor," said Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. "By replacing the culverts on Sitch Road and Strom Road, the McGuinty government is strengthening our northern communities and providing greater opportunities for Ontario's greatest asset — our people."

"I am very thankful for this COMRIF investment as it will provide peace of mind to the motorists who use Sitch and Strom roads to commute, either for work or recreational purposes," said Ron Nelson, Mayor of the Township of O'Connor.

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:

Ron Nelson
Mayor of the Township of O'Connor
807-475-4761

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: 14098