Town of Smooth Rock Falls to Improve Local Water Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

SMOOTH ROCK FALLS — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Town of Smooth Rock Falls today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to upgrade the municipal water treatment plant.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $156,650 in the project. The Town of Smooth Rock Falls will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $469,950. 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 Town of Smooth Rock Falls will renew the municipal water treatment plant by using innovative methods and advanced technology, in addition to installing equipment and instrumentation that will ensure the delivery of a safe supply of drinking water compliant with current regulations.

"Canada's new government is pleased to support this project in Smooth Rock Falls," said Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health and Federal Minister responsible for COMRIF. "By investing in these water improvements, we are investing in the long-term health and safety of the community's local residents."

"The McGuinty government is investing in our water treatment plants so all Ontarians can continue to enjoy clean, safe water for years to come," said David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources. "Clean, safe water is a priority for this government."

"These improvements will play a key role in ensuring the future well-being of our community," said Réjeanne Demeules, Mayor of the Town of Smooth Rock Falls.

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:

Réjeanne Demeules
Mayor of the Town of Smooth Rock Falls
705-338-2717

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:  13432