County of Lambton Residents Benefit from Local Bridge Improvements

For immediate release — April 25, 2005

Governments partner to make infrastructure investment

WYOMING — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the County of Lambton today announced funding to rehabilitate Sydenham River Bridge and replace Bear Creek Bridge.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $485,000 in the project. County of Lambton will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $1,455,000. 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 improve the quality of life for local residents. The Sydenham River Bridge requires extensive rehabilitation. Work involves replacing the deck, curbing and barriers, installing new expansion joints, and paving the deck and approaches. The project at Bear Creek Bridge includes constructing a new integral abutment bridge with pre-stressed concrete beams.

"I am pleased that the federal government is funding the renewal of these two bridges," said Roger Gallaway, MP for Sarnia–Lambton. "Both bridges are part of an important corridor for local tourism, agriculture and commerce, and are vital links for the economic growth of the region." 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. Gallaway.

"Our government is committed to improving essential infrastructure in our rural communities," said Maria Van Bommel, MPP for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex. "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 a project that will improve the quality of life for residents in the County of Lambton."

"Funding for this project will allow the County of Lambton to provide a more reliable bridge system and ensure the safe transportation of students throughout the region," said Patricia Davidson, Warden of the County of Lambton.

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:

Patricia Davidson
Warden of the County of Lambton
519-845-0801

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

Sam Boonstra
Industry Canada
416-952-0468

Project Reference Number: 11452