County of Elgin and City of St. Thomas Residents Benefit from Local Road Improvements

For immediate release — April 25, 2005

Governments partner to make infrastructure investment

ST. THOMAS — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and municipal leaders in Elgin and St. Thomas today announced funding to improve road infrastructure.

"These investments to rehabilitate Sunset Road and widen Wellington Street illustrate the federal government's commitment to building sustainable and competitive communities in Ontario," said Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. "Sunset Road and Wellington Street are essential thoroughfares and improvements will provide more efficient travel for residents and tourists, and a safer route for cyclists." 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 Mr. Fontana.

"Improvements to the roads in the County of Elgin and City of St. Thomas are an example of our government's commitment to upgrading essential infrastructure – an important part of Ontario's plan for rural communities," said Steve Peters, Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food and MPP for Elgin–Middlesex–London. "This project shows how we are working to renew Ontario's infrastructure to improve public services and provide a high quality of life for all Ontarians."

These investments, made under the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF), will improve the quality of life for local residents.

The Government of Canada's contributions are contingent on the successful completion of environmental assessments of the proposed projects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $2,331,117 to rehabilitate Sunset Road. The County of Elgin will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $6,993,350. Work includes resurfacing the road, replacing storm sewers, improving road drainage, adding turn lanes and constructing a paved bicycle lane.

"Working with all levels of government, the County of Elgin will be able to complete this infrastructure project earlier than originally planned," said James McIntyre, Warden of the County of Elgin.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $375,380 to reconstruct Wellington Street. The City of St. Thomas will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $1,126,140. The project includes expanding the street from one to two lanes.

"This project will help to reduce traffic congestion on Wellington Street and allow for easier access to the roadway during emergencies," said Jeff Kohler, Mayor of the City of St. Thomas.

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:

James McIntyre
Warden of the County of Elgin
519-769-2010

Jeff Kohler
Mayor of the City of St. Thomas
519-631-1680

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

Sam Boonstra
Industry Canada
416-952-0468