Municipality of Greenstone, Town of Marathon and Township of Shuniah to Improve Local Water, Waste Management and Road Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 21, 2006

Canada and Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

GERALDTON — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and municipal leaders today announced funding under Intake Two of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to build strong and sustainable communities.

"In order for our northern communities to remain prosperous and competitive, it is crucial that infrastructure systems in place are reliable and efficient," said Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health and Federal Minister responsible for COMRIF. "On behalf of the federal government, it brings me great pleasure to announce these significant investments in local infrastructure projects."

"With projects like those in Greenstone, Marathon and Shuniah, the McGuinty government is helping northern communities meet their highest priority infrastructure needs," said Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay–Superior North. "COMRIF is part of our plan to help northern communities plan, manage and invest in their future."

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 $652,710 to replace the Caramat Water Treatment Plant. The Municipality of Greenstone will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $1,958,131. The municipality will replace the existing plant with a new facility equipped with a low-lift pump, an electrical power substation and backup generator, and a slow sand filter system. As well, baffles will be installed in the existing clearwell to ensure compliance with required chlorine contact time.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $215,215 in the Town of Marathon's waste management project. The Town of Marathon will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $645,646. The town will close the existing landfill site and install recycling and composting facilities to increase the rate of waste diversion for the community.

"This project will help to ensure that our community remains an environmentally sound place to live," said David Bell, Mayor of the Town of Marathon.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $130,000 to reconstruct Isku Park Road Bridge. The Township of Shuniah will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $390,000.

"Reconstructing Isku Park Road Bridge will make this route safer for residential and emergency vehicles in our community," said Maria Harding, Reeve of the Township of Shuniah.

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:

Michael Power
Mayor of the Municipality of Greenstone
807-854-1100

David Bell
Mayor of the Town of Marathon
807-229-1340

Maria Harding
Reeve of the Township of Shuniah
807-683-3611

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