Municipality of West Nipissing to Improve Local Bridges

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

STURGEON FALLS — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Municipality of West Nipissing today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace the Savignac Road and Michel Road bridges.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $648,230 in the project. The Municipality of West Nipissing will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $1,944,689. 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 municipality will replace the Savignac Road and Michel Road bridges with modern two-lane single-span structures.

"Canada's new government supports working with the provinces and municipalities to get things done. These projects are about more than just roads or bridges. They are about building this community," Cheryl Gallant, MP for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke. "When we invest in renewal projects such as these, we are investing in the individuals and families that live here."

"Replacing the Savignac Road Bridge and Michel Road Bridge in West Nipissing is part of our plan to help communities in Northern Ontario succeed," said David Ramsay, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and MPP for Timiskaming–Cochrane. "Today's announcement shows that the McGuinty government is strengthening our northern and rural communities and providing opportunities for our greatest asset — our people."

"I am very thankful for the generous contributions from senior levels of government, as they will ensure the continued safe passage of residents and tourists travelling within and through our community," said Joanne Savage, Mayor of the Municipality of West Nipissing.

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:

Joanne Savage
Mayor of the Municipality of West Nipissing
705-753-2250

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: 13892