County of Perth to Replace Local Culvert

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

STRATFORD — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the County of Perth today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace culvert #086074.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $48,583 in the project. The County of Perth will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $145,750. 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 County of Perth will replace culvert #086074, located in an area of high traffic on Perth Line 86, with a prefabricated structure to reduce construction time and length of detours.

"Canada's new government supports working with the province of Ontario and our local municipal counterparts to get things done. This community is in need of infrastructure improvements, and we are proud to step up to get this project completed," said Gary Schellenberger, MP for Perth–Wellington. "When we invest in projects such as these, we are investing in the individuals and families that live in these communities."

"I want to congratulate Perth County for their successful application," said John Wilkinson, MPP for Perth–Middlesex.

"Replacing this culvert will improve roadside safety and allow residents to transport goods and access services in nearby communities," said Barb MacLean, Warden of the County of Perth.

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:

Barb MacLean
Warden of the County of Perth
519-271-0531

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:  13937