County of Perth to Improve Local Bridges

For immediate release — January 10, 2007

Canada's New Government and the Government of Ontario invest in infrastructure renewal

STRATFORD — Canada's New Government and the Government of Ontario today announced funding under Intake Three of the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF) to rehabilitate the Fullarton Bridge and replace Bridge 119095 in the County of Perth.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $311,242 in the local bridge projects. The County of Perth will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $933,725. 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.

"Canada's New Government is helping to strengthen communities by improving local infrastructure," said Gary Schellenberger, MP for Perth-Wellington, on behalf of Tony Clement, Minister of Health and federal minister responsible for COMRIF. "I am pleased to announce this COMRIF investment that will make a real difference in the lives of the residents of the County of Perth."

"Renewing essential infrastructure is important for Perth County residents, agri-businesses, manufacturers and visitors," said John Wilkinson, MPP for Perth-Middlesex. "By replacing the bridge at the intersection of Perth Road 119 and Line 47 and upgrading the Fullarton Bridge in the County of Perth, the McGuinty government is helping ensure the prosperity of Perth County in the heart of rural Ontario."

"I am delighted that our community has been awarded funding for these high-priority bridge projects," said Ronald McKay, Warden of the County of Perth.

This project is part of a total federal-provincial investment announced today of $93 million in 72 communities under Intake Three of COMRIF. Together with municipal contributions, the total COMRIF Intake Three investment in local infrastructure improvements exceeds $139 million. These investments will provide small urban and rural municipalities with the support they need to renew essential infrastructure in their communities.

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.

For more information on the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, please visit www.comrif.ca.

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Contacts:

Ronald McKay
Warden of the County of Perth
519-271-0531

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

Project Reference Number: 15274