Canada's New Government and the Government of Ontario Invest $93 million in Municipal Rural Infrastructure

For immediate release – January 10, 2007

Ontario Residents to Benefit from Improvements to Local Communities

TORONTO – Delivering on their commitment to build sustainable communities, Canada's New Government and the Government of Ontario today announced a joint investment of $93 million in 72 communities under Intake Three of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF).

"Through COMRIF Intake Three, Canada's New Government is investing over $46 million to make a real difference for small urban and rural communities right across Ontario," said Tony Clement, Minister of Health and federal minister responsible for the COMRIF. "Our government remains committed to improving and renewing local infrastructure that we depend on every day – building a stronger Canada today and for generations to come."

"The McGuinty government is strengthening rural communities across Ontario," said Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "By investing in rural infrastructure, we are helping to build strong communities and a strong future for rural Ontario." 

"COMRIF is an important trilateral partnership for Canada, Ontario and municipalities in this province," said Doug Reycraft, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. "It demonstrates that investment in municipal infrastructure is a shared responsibility that creates tangible economic and environmental benefits locally, provincially and nationally."

This third COMRIF intake builds on the successful first and second intakes. As a result of funding provided by the governments of Canada and Ontario under the three intakes, infrastructure improvements are being made through 280 projects to make Ontario's communities healthier, safer and more prosperous.

The investments announced today will provide small urban and rural municipalities with the support they need to renew essential infrastructure in their communities. Together with municipal contributions, the total Intake Three investment in local infrastructure improvements exceeds $139 million.

These investments cover the full range of COMRIF Intake Three priorities, which will result in upgrades to provide clean and safe drinking water, better sewage systems, improved waste management processes, and safer roads and bridges.

"Canada's New Government is committed to making necessary infrastructure upgrades to ensure that our country remains competitive, economically sustainable and most importantly a great place to live," said Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "Through these COMRIF investments this government is living up to this commitment by delivering results you can see in communities right across Ontario."

"COMRIF has made a significant contribution to Ontario's small town and rural infrastructure and we are looking forward to partnerships in the development of future rounds," said David Caplan, Ontario's Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal. "Our government is moving forward in providing a solid foundation for local infrastructure improvements and economic growth in communities across Ontario."

Under the five-year, $900-million COMRIF program, the governments of Canada and Ontario are working together with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and local partners to enhance and renew Ontario's public infrastructure, improve the quality of the environment, protect the health and safety of citizens, support long-term economic growth and build prosperous, sustainable communities by giving municipalities the tools they need. This also includes the recently launched Asset Management Program component, which helps eligible municipalities and Local Services Boards improve and increase their capacity to manage their infrastructure.

In Budget 2006, Canada's New Government announced an unprecedented $16.5 billion in funding for infrastructure, including $6.6 billion in new investment for infrastructure programs. The Government recognizes the importance of infrastructure in Canada's success. Consultations with a wide range of governments, including Ontario, and stakeholders, including the AMO, took place over the summer and fall of 2006. Canada's New Government is currently developing its long-term plan for infrastructure programs.

A listing of funded projects is available in the COMRIF backgrounder. For more information on the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, please visit www.comrif.ca.

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Contacts:

Erik Waddell
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-957-0200

Brent Ross
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
416-326-9342

Linda Hann
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