County of Oxford and Township of Zorra to Improve Local Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

WOODSTOCK — 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. There is a need to make these infrastructure upgrades and replacements, and we are proud to step up and help," said Dave Mackenzie, MP for Oxford. "By investing in these projects, we are investing in the individuals and families that live in these communities."

"With projects like these in the County of Oxford and the Township of Zorra, we are creating competitive economic advantages for communities," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "By equipping rural Ontario municipalities for success, we are strengthening their ability to plan, manage and invest in their future."

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 $11,019,281 to extend Ingersoll Street and upgrade the road and sanitary services to support the Toyota Complex. The County of Oxford will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $33,057,844. The project will include the extension of Ingersoll Street to a two-lane industrial arterial from King Street to Victoria Street, providing a new truck route directly from the CAMI plant to points north and west. The project also addresses the need for expanded road, sewer and watermain infrastructure to serve the Toyota Plant and related support industry. The scope of this work will include the replacement of an existing sub-standard crossing at the CNR mainline, upgrading Woodstock County Road between the plant and the provincial highway, and the provision of water and sanitary sewer services.

"This opportunity for continued cooperation with the federal and provincial governments really helps our county realize its potential for economic development and address the critical public safety and transportation needs of our residents, positioning Oxford County for an exciting future," said Donald S. Woolcott, Warden of the County of Oxford.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $191,333 to replace Bridge 31 on Road 78. The Township of Zorra will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $574,000. As part of this project, new traffic barrier systems and approaches will also be constructed.

"Through this partnership with the federal and provincial governments, our township can now replace Bridge 31, ensuring our residents will have a safer and more efficient commute," said William Semeniuk, Jr., Mayor of the Township of Zorra.

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:

Donald S. Woolcott
Warden of the County of Oxford
519-539-9800

William Semeniuk, Jr.
Mayor of the Township of Zorra
519-485-2490

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