Township of Woolwich to Improve Local Bridge

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

ELMIRA — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Township of Woolwich today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to replace Schuett Bridge.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $165,312 in the project. The Township of Woolwich will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $495,935. 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 Woolwich will replace Schuett Bridge. A two-lane rigid frame, reinforced concrete structure will replace the spandrel arch bridge constructed in 1913.

"Canada's new government supports working with the province and our municipal partners to get things done. There is a need to replace Schuett Bridge, and we are proud to step up and help," said Harold Albrecht, MP for Kitchener–Conestoga. "Bridges are the corridors that provide our residents with access to work, school, goods and services."

"Through COMRIF, the McGuinty government is supporting essential bridge projects like the replacement of Schuett Bridge in the Township of Woolwich," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "We're committed to building strong rural communities, which are so important to the future of this province."

"This local infrastructure improvement is required to meet the current and future needs of residents and business owners, emergency responders, township maintenance staff and area farmers," said William Strauss, Mayor of the Township of Woolwich.

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:

William Strauss
Mayor of the Township of Woolwich
519-669-1647

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: 13505