Township of Wellington North, County of Wellington and Township of Mapleton to Improve Local Wastewater and Bridge Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

KENILWORTH — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and municipal leaders today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to build strong and sustainable communities.

"Canada's new government supports working with the province and our municipal partners to get things done. There is a need to make these local improvements, and we are proud to step up and help," said Gary Schellenberger, MP for Perth–Wellington. "By investing in these projects, we are investing in the individuals and families that live in these communities."

"Our province's infrastructure is essential to our well-being, our prosperity and our quality of life," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "Through COMRIF, the McGuinty government is delivering results that can be seen across rural Ontario — improved bridges and roads, water systems and waste management processes."

The Government of Canada's contributions are contingent on the successful completion of an environmental assessment of the proposed projects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $5,589,534 to construct the Mount Forest Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Township of Wellington North will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $16,768,602. The township will construct a new wastewater treatment plant and convert the existing plant into a pumping station and flow equalization facility. A new sewage forcemain from the existing plant to the new site will also be constructed.

"I am very pleased that the partnership of the federal and provincial governments with the township will enable the implementation of a long-term pollution prevention strategy that will benefit our residents," said Mike Broomhead, Mayor of the Township of Wellington North.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $1,109,667 to replace Glen Allan Bridge. The County of Wellington will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $3,329,000. The project will include replacing the existing bridge, constructing road approaches and performing necessary landscaping work.

"Replacing Glen Allan Bridge will re-establish an important transportation link that residents and tourists can commonly use," said Brad Whitcombe, Warden of the County of Wellington.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $309,000 to replace Denstedt Bridge. The Township of Mapleton will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $927,000. The project will involve the replacement of the existing structure, and placement of approach guiderails and end treatments.

"Replacing Denstedt Bridge will provide motorists with a safer structure and eliminate current width and load capacity restrictions," said John Green, Mayor of the Township of Mapleton.

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:

Mike Broomhead
Mayor of the Township of Wellington North
519-848-3620

Brad Whitcombe
Warden of the County of Wellington
519-837-2600

John Green
Mayor of the Township of Mapleton
519-638-3313

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