Township of Enniskillen to Improve Local Bridge

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

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

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $142,487 in the project. The Township of Enniskillen will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $427,460. 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 will replace the current bridge with a new pre-cast concrete culvert.

"Canada's new government supports working with the other levels of governments to get things done. There is a need to replace Durham Creek Bridge, and we are proud to step up and help," said Pat Davidson, MP for Sarnia–Lambton. "This investment will have a positive impact on the quality of life of residents in the Township of Enniskillen by ensuring Durham Creek Bridge remains safe, reliable and efficient for the motorists who use it daily."

"The McGuinty government is improving essential infrastructure in rural Ontario," said Maria Van Bommel, MPP for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex. "Today's announcement to replace Durham Creek Bridge in the Township of Enniskillen will provide safer and more dependable traffic infrastructure for this community."

"This bridge is an important link within our township, and replacing it will make certain that goods can be transported more quickly and easily therefore supporting the rural economic development of our community," said Jim Burns, Mayor of the Township of Enniskillen.

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.

- 30 -

Contacts:

Jim Burns
Mayor of the Township of Enniskillen
519-882-2490

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:  14047