City of Temiskaming Shores to Improve Local Wastewater Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

HAILEYBURY — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Temiskaming Shores today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to upgrade the sewage treatment process at the New Liskeard Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $640,423 in the project. The City of Temiskaming Shores will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $1,921,270. 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.

As part of the project, the antiquated aeration system and discharge structures at the New Liskeard Wastewater Treatment Plant will be replaced, and control piping will be installed.

"There is a need for this upgrade, and we are proud to step up and help. Canada's new government supports working with the province and municipalities to get things done," said Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health and Federal Minister responsible for COMRIF. "By investing in this important project, we are investing in the health and safety of families and individuals who live and visit here."

"We recognize that upgrading the New Liskeard Wastewater Treatment Plant in Temiskaming Shores is a priority for this community," said David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and MPP for Timiskaming–Cochrane. "Today's announcement reflects the McGuinty government's commitment to rural and Northern Ontario."

"This is an important project that contributes to a better, sustainable system for our community, and I am grateful for the contributions from the federal and provincial governments," said James Hawken, Mayor of the City of Temiskaming Shores.

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 Hawken
Mayor of the City of Temiskaming Shores
705-672-3363

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: 13608