City of Orillia and Township of Tiny to Improve Local Road and Bridge Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

ORILLIA — 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 the provinces and municipalities to get things done. These projects are about more than just roads or bridges. They are about building this community," said Bruce Stanton, MP for Simcoe North. "When we invest in renewal projects such as these, we are investing in the individuals and families that live here."

"The McGuinty government recognizes that we can improve the health and prosperity of our people if we make the right investments in our communities and infrastructure," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "Today's announcement for Orillia and Tiny is part of our ReNew Ontario strategic plan to invest in essential infrastructure — and we are demonstrating results."

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 $814,250 to reconstruct the Coldwater Road corridor. The City of Orillia will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $2,470,500. The project will involve widening the road, constructing sidewalks on the west portion, repaving the east portion, and installing traffic signals and handicapped access sidewalk ramp facilities where required. Existing watermains will also be upgraded and sanitary sewers will be installed.

"Our residents will reap many benefits from this project, including increased traffic flow for motorists and a safer walking environment for pedestrians," said Ron Stevens, Mayor of the City of Orillia.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $80,667 to replace West Truss Bridge. The Township of Tiny will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $242,000. The project will include replacing the existing bridge with a new, safer deck structure. The bridge substructure will also be repaired and approach guiderails and end treatments will be installed.

"We are pleased to partner with the governments of Canada and Ontario to move forward with this infrastructure upgrade that will ensure a safe commute for local residential, business and tourist traffic," said Robert Klug, Mayor of the Township of Tiny.

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:

Ron Stevens,
Mayor of the City of Orillia
705-325-1311

Robert Klug,
Mayor of the Township of Tiny
705-526-4204

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