Township of South Dundas and Township of South Stormont to Improve Local Wastewater and Bridge Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

WILLIAMSBURG — 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 province of Ontario and our local municipal counterparts to get things done. There is a need to make these local improvements, and we are proud to step up and help," said Guy Lauzon, MP for Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry. "By investing in these projects, we are investing in the individuals and families that live in these communities."

"Through COMRIF, we are providing Ontario's municipalities with the tools needed for safe, dependable wastewater and bridge infrastructure," said Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont–Dundas–Charlottenburgh. "Today's announcement demonstrates the McGuinty government's commitment to rural Ontario."

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 $6,650,760 to construct the Morrisburg Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Township of South Dundas will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $14,779,467. The township will construct a new wastewater treatment plant that will use state-of-the-art aerobic digestion technology.

"This is a major health and safety project in our community that will benefit all residents, and I would like to thank the governments of Canada and Ontario for their generous support," said Lyle Van Allen, Mayor of the Township of South Dundas.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $281,333 to replace McMillan Bridge. The Township of South Stormont will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $844,000. The project will include replacing the existing bridge with a steel I-beam structure. Other work will involve earth and rock excavation and grading, road widening and paving, and installing steel beam guiderails.

"By improving transportation for local residents, farmers and businesses, we are ensuring the economic development of our community, and I am pleased to proceed with this partnership project," said Jim Bancroft, Mayor of the Township of South Stormont.

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:

Lyle Van Allen
Mayor of the Township of South Dundas
613-535-2673

Jim Bancroft
Mayor of the Township of South Stormont
613-537-2362

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