Townships of Central Manitoulin, Burpee and Mills, and Billings Residents Benefit from Improvements to Local Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 25, 2005

Governments partner to make infrastructure investments

MINDEMOYA — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and municipal leaders in Central Manitoulin, Burpee and Mills, and Billings today announced funding to improve bridge and road infrastructure.

"Improvements to the existing road and bridge infrastructure in these communities will provide safer and more efficient travel for residents and tourists," said Brent St. Denis, MP for Algoma–Manitoulin–Kapuskasing. "Through the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF), the federal government remains committed to renewing rural infrastructure." The Government of Canada's funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework, added Mr. St. Denis.

"Modernizing infrastructure is a key part of Ontario's plan for strengthening our northern communities," said Mike Brown, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin. "Upgrading bridges and roads for Central Manitoulin, Burpee and Mills, and Billings will ensure these communities have the tools that support a stronger, more prosperous economy."

These COMRIF investments will provide safer road and bridge infrastructure and improved quality of life for local residents.

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 $281,750 to replace three bridges in Mindemoya. The Township of Central Manitoulin will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $845,250. The Monument Road, Blue Road and Ketchankookem Trail bridges will be reconstructed with new structures and the road approaches will be repaired.

"This project will help our Township to remain economically viable and competitive with surrounding areas," said Richard Stephens, Reeve of the Township of Central Manitoulin.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $212,650 to improve Bell, Indian Point, McKinley, Williams and Union roads. The Township of Burpee and Mills will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $637,950. Road improvements will include widening, extensive ditching, rock and material excavation, culvert additions, gravel resurfacing and hard surface treatment.

"Restoring these roads will have a positive impact on vehicular travel in and around our community," said Ken Noland, Reeve of the Township of Burpee and Mills.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $164,690 to upgrade Kagawong's main access corridor. The Township of Billings will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $494,070. The project will reduce the grade on Kagawong Bay Hill, correct the off-camber slope and resurface the road.

"Lessening the grade of the road will improve visibility for drivers over the hill crest, which will enhance the safety for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic," said Austin Hunt, Reeve of the Township of Billings.

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 in small urban and rural communities. The objectives of this initiative are to enhance and renew Ontario's aging public infrastructure, improve the quality of the environment, protect the health and safety of citizens, support long-term economic growth and build strong, sustainable communities by giving municipalities the tools they need.

COMRIF is a five-year, $900-million program that focuses on local needs through infrastructure improvements 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 Two will be launched in the coming weeks through a public announcement and direct contact with eligible municipalities. All Ontario municipalities of less than 250,000 people are eligible to apply to COMRIF to improve their local infrastructure.

For further information on the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, please visit www.comrif.ca.

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Contacts:

Richard Stephens
Reeve of the Township of Central Manitoulin
705-377-5726

Ken Noland
Reeve of the Township of Burpee and Mills
705-282-0624

Austin Hunt
Reeve of the Township of Billings
705-282-2611

Andrea Kelly
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
416-585-7066

Sam Boonstra
Industry Canada
416-952-0468