Counties of Grey and Bruce, City of Owen Sound and Municipality of Grey Highlands Residents Benefit from Improvements to Local Infrastructure

For immediate release — April 25, 2005

Governments partner to make infrastructure investments

OWEN SOUND — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and municipal leaders in Grey, Bruce, Owen Sound and Grey Highlands today announced funding for road, wastewater and bridge infrastructure.

"The federal government is pleased to partner with other levels of government to improve road infrastructure in Grey and Bruce, increase the capacity and reliability of the wastewater treatment facilities in Owen Sound, and provide a more efficient transportation network in Grey Highlands," said Andy Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "These projects will benefit local residents in these communities." 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. Mitchell.

"Our government is committed to improving essential infrastructure in our rural and small urban communities," said John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "We know that Ontario's success depends on building strong communities through a strong economy and a healthy environment. We are proud to participate in projects that will help Grey, Bruce, Owen Sound and Grey Highlands plan, manage and invest in their future."

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 an environmental assessment of the proposed projects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $4,066,329 to reconstruct the Grey-Bruce Line Road. The counties of Grey and Bruce will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $12,198,988. The project includes widening the road platform, relocating hydro lines and improving sight lines by modifying the vertical alignment.

"We are grateful for the contributions by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario in making this project a reality," said Dave Fawcett, Warden of the County of Grey.

"These improvements to our local roads are important to our communities and will make a difference for the people of the Grey and Bruce counties," said Mark Kraemer, Warden of the County of Bruce.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $1,120,833 to upgrade the West Side Pumping Station and Owen Sound Wastewater Treatment Plant. The City of Owen Sound will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $3,362,500. The project involves replacing pumping equipment and control systems, twinning the inlet sewer to the plant, upgrading the influent pumping station, and constructing a preliminary treatment system to eliminate the existing hydraulic restrictions.

"We are delighted to receive this funding. This project will improve the hydraulics system in our local plant to provide a more efficient wastewater infrastructure and protect our natural environment," said Ruth Lovell, Mayor of the City of Owen Sound.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $123,500 to reconstruct Fenwick Bridge. The Municipality of Grey Highlands will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $370,500. The project involves replacing Fenwick Bridge in the Lake Eugenia area.

"This project means a lot to the residents of Grey Highlands because it will provide a safer route for the traveling public and reduce the response time for local emergency vehicles in the area," said Brian Mullin, Mayor of the Municipality of Grey Highlands.

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:

Dave Fawcett
Warden of the County of Grey
519-376-2205

Mark Kraemer
Warden of the County of Bruce
519-881-1291

Ruth Lovell
Mayor of the City of Owen Sound
519-376-1440

Brian Mullin
Mayor of the Municipality of Grey Highlands
519-986-2811

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

Sam Boonstra
Industry Canada
416-952-0468