Township of St. Joseph to Improve Local Waste Management Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

RICHARDS LANDING — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Township of St. Joseph today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to improve the municipal landfill.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $16,500 in the project. The Township of St. Joseph will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $49,500. 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.

Project improvements to the municipal landfill site include installing a collection depot for recyclables and providing a share-shed to promote reuse rather than disposal. Collection bins for recyclables and fencing to improve the collection and separation of materials will also be supplied. Other site upgrades will include widening of the entrance, installing solar powered lighting and new fencing, and improving the signage.

"A more functional, user-friendly landfill site will ultimately encourage more residents to support waste diversion," said Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health and Federal Minister responsible for COMRIF. "Through this infrastructure investment, the Government of Canada is working with our partners to build a healthier and more vital environment for the residents of St. Joseph."

"Upgrading essential infrastructure is very important to Ontario's rural and northern communities," said David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources. "Through COMRIF, the McGuinty government is helping rural and small urban communities plan, manage and invest in their future."

"The opportunity to move forward with this project, thanks to the partnership through COMRIF, will encourage increased waste diversion and reduce the potential for contamination of air and water resources," said Jody Wildman, Reeve of the Township of St. Joseph.

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.

- 30 -

Contacts:

Jody Wildman
Reeve of the Township of St. Joseph
705-246-2625

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: 13963