Town of Innisfil, Township of Springwater and Township of Clearview Residents Benefit from Improvements to Local Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 25, 2005

Governments partner to make infrastructure investments

INNISFIL — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and municipal leaders in Innisfil, Springwater and Clearview today announced funding for bridge and water infrastructure.

"Through these investments, these communities will benefit from improved bridge infrastructure in Innisfil and Springwater, and safer drinking water in Clearview," said Andy Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "These projects secure the well-being of area residents and support the regional economy by keeping critical transportation routes open." 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. Mitchell.

"Safe, reliable infrastructure is essential to the quality of life in every community," said John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "The Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) is part of our plan to restore rural and smaller urban communities' ability to plan, manage and invest in their future. Investing in bridge and water projects like these, we are helping rural communities meet their highest priority infrastructure needs."

These COMRIF investments will improve the quality of life for local residents.

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

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $277,633 to replace two bridges in Innisfil. The Town of Innisfil will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $832,900. Work includes replacing the 10th Line Lovers Creek Bridge and the Everton Bridge.

"These improvements to our bridges are important infrastructure priorities, and will greatly benefit the communities of Innisfil," said Brian Jackson, Mayor of the Town of Innisfil.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will also each invest up to $110,000 to rehabilitate Willow Creek Bridge on Finlay Road. The Township of Springwater will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $330,000. Upgrades include repair work on the structure and approaches, traffic control and improvements to the guiderails.

"Improvements to the Willow Creek Bridge will not only benefit Springwater residents, it will also benefit the general public who travel our area roads," said John Brown, Mayor of the Township of Springwater.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $81,250 to upgrade municipal water infrastructure. The Township of Clearview will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $243,750. Drinking water treatment will be improved in community halls and fire halls in Avening, Brentwood, Dunedin, Singhampton and Sunnidale.

"We are eager to proceed with these vital improvements to our water system to ensure a safe and healthy community for our residents," said Fran Sainsbury, Mayor of the Township of Clearview.

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:

Brian Jackson
Mayor of the Town of Innisfil
705-436-3710

John Brown
Mayor of the Township of Springwater
705-728-4784

Fran Sainsbury
Mayor of the Township of Clearview
705-428-6230

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

Sam Boonstra
Industry Canada
416-952-0468