City of Kitchener Residents Benefit from Local Bridge Improvements

For immediate release — April 25, 2005

Governments partner to make infrastructure investment

KITCHENER — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Kitchener today announced funding to rehabilitate the Greenbrook Plaza Bridge.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $66,337 in the project. The City of Kitchener will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $199,010. 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.

This investment, made under the Canada-Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF), will provide safer road infrastructure and improved quality of life for local residents. Improvements to the Greenbrook Plaza Bridge will include the removal of the existing rigid frame reinforced concrete culvert, installation of pre-cast reinforced concrete box sections to match existing interior of remaining rigid frame structure, abrasive blast cleaning of concrete surfaces and asphalt application and repairs.

"The rehabilitation of the Greenbrook Plaza Bridge will provide increased safety to the public and will enhance the city's ability to accommodate residential and commercial growth in the community," said Karen Redman, MP for Kitchener Centre. "I would like to congratulate the City of Kitchener on its successful application." 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 Ms. Redman.

"Our government is committed to improving essential infrastructure in our communities," said John Milloy, MPP for Kitchener Centre. "Upgrading the Greenbrook Plaza Bridge is an example of how we are improving local safety and providing a high quality of life for all Ontarians."

"This infrastructure renewal project will have a positive impact on the continuous development of our community and the many residents and businesses that rely on it each day," said Carl Zehr, Mayor of the City of Kitchener.

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:

Carl Zehr
Mayor of the City of Kitchener
519-741-2286

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

Sam Boonstra
Industry Canada
416-952-0468

Project Reference Number: 11624