Township of Southgate to Improve Local Bridges

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

DUNDALK — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Township of Southgate today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace Egremont Bridge number 30 and Bridge PE1.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $353,333 in the project. The Township of Southgate will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $1,060,000. 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 township will replace the Egremont no. 30 and PE1 bridges with new two-lane structures that will include barriers and approach guiderails.

"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 replace these bridges, and we are proud to step up and help," said Larry Miller, MP for Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound. "By investing in this project, we are investing in the individuals and families that live in this community."

"Through COMRIF, we are able to support essential bridge projects like those we are announcing today in the Township of Southgate," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "The McGuinty government is committed to building strong rural communities, which are so important to the future of this province."

"I am grateful for the financial support from both levels of government for this project, which will have a positive impact on motorists travelling throughout the community and ensure safety for buses," said Don Lewis, Mayor of the Township of Southgate.

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:

Don Lewis
Mayor of the Township of Southgate
519-923-2110

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: 13900