Town of Tecumseh to Improve Local Bridges

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

TECUMSEH — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Town of Tecumseh today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to upgrade bridges 1009, 1011 and 1012.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $359,254 in the project. The Town of Tecumseh will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $1,077,763. 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 Tecumseh will upgrade three critical bridge structures, including repair of wingwalls, deck fascia and soffits and abutment walls. This project also entails the replacement of damaged curbs, crack injection, scour protection and stream realignment, as well as the installation of approach guard rails and bridge barrier systems.

"Canada's new government is pleased to invest in these bridge improvements, which will contribute to the long-term economic sustainability of Tecumseh," said John Baird, President of the Treasury Board. "Integrated, efficient transportation systems are a crucial element in economic productivity."

"Today's announcement in communities like Tecumseh reflects the McGuinty government's commitment to invest in essential infrastructure," said Dwight Duncan, Ontario Minister of Finance and MPP for Windsor–St. Clair. "We're committed to building strong rural communities, which are so important to the future of this province."

"By being proactive and replacing these structures, the town is protecting its local agricultural and business interests," said Gary McNamara, Mayor of the Town of Tecumseh.

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:

Gary McNamara
Mayor of the Town of Tecumseh
519-735-2184

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: 13943