City of Niagara Falls and Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Residents Benefit from Improvements to Local Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 25, 2005

Governments partner to make infrastructure investments

NIAGARA FALLS — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and municipal leaders in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake today announced funding to upgrade local infrastructure.

"As part of the New Deal for Cities and Communities, COMRIF demonstrates the federal government's commitment to building strong, prosperous communities," said Tony Valeri, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. "I am pleased today to announce this funding that will enable these municipalities to thrive." 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 Minister Valeri.

"The upgrading of the sewer system in Niagara Falls and the Lavigne Drain Bridge in Niagara-on-the-Lake is proof that the Ontario government is standing by its promise to safeguard public health," said Kim Craitor, MPP for Niagara Falls. "We know that Ontario's success depends on building strong communities through a strong economy and a healthy environment, and we are proud to participate in projects that will improve the quality of life for residents in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake."

These investments, made under the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF), will improve 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 $1,954,495 to construct a new Bridge Street sewer separation system. The City of Niagara Falls will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $5,863,484. Work will include replacing watermains and rehabilitating the roadways.

"This is a very important project for the residents of Niagara Falls and we are very excited to work with our federal and provincial partners to proceed as quickly as possible with these upgrades that will have such a positive impact on our residents," said Ted Salci, Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $50,600 to replace the Lavigne Drain Bridge and rehabilitate a culvert on East-West Line. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $151,800. The replacement bridge will be constructed from pre-cast concrete, including a granular "A" road base, guiderails, end treatments and traffic control. Work on the culvert includes repairing the guiderails and providing end treatments.

"These upgrades will enable our community to protect these pivotal infrastructure assets while enhancing traffic safety for residents, tourists and businesses," said Gary Burroughs, Lord Mayor of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

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:

Ted Salci
Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls
905-356-7521

Gary Burroughs
Lord Mayor of the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
905-468-3266

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

Sam Boonstra
Industry Canada
416-952-0468