Township of Tehkummah to Improve South Baymouth Landfill

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

TEHKUMMAH — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Township of Tehkummah today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to improve the South Baymouth Landfill.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $22,000 in the project. The Township of Tehkummah will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $66,000. 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 of Tehkummah will make improvements to the waste diversion facilities at the South Baymouth Landfill site. The work will include establishing individual marked areas to allow the separation of recyclable/reusable materials, such as glass, metals and plastics, in an effort to divert waste materials from the landfill.

"We are pleased to fund this essential project in Tehkummah. Canada's new government supports working with the province and our municipal partners to get things done," said Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health and Federal Minister responsible for COMRIF. "These upgrades are an excellent example of innovation, incorporating many new, effective best practices."

"Our government is improving the health and prosperity of our people in rural and Northern Ontario," said David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources. "With this important infrastructure improvement in the Township of Tehkummah, we are showing our commitment to safeguard public health in Ontario."

"With improved facilities in place, our residents will continue to benefit from an environmentally conscious waste management service," said James Anstice, Reeve of the Township of Tehkummah.

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:

James Anstice
Reeve of the Township of Tehkummah
705-859-3293

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: 14009