Local Canadian Governments Partner to Make Infrastructure Investments

The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and municipal leaders in Tecumseh, Kingsville, Amherstburg and Essex today announced funding for sewer and road upgrades.

"The projects in the Town of Tecumseh and Town of Essex will benefit the local communities by improving traffic movement and accessibility," said Joe Fontana, Minister of Labor and Housing. "The investments in wastewater infrastructure will increase the service reliability of the local treatment facilities and collection systems in Kingsville and Amherstburg." 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 Fontana.

"Our government is committed to improving essential infrastructure in our rural communities," said Bruce Crozier, MPP for Essex. "We know that Ontario's success depends on building strong communities, a strong economy and a healthy environment. We are proud to participate in projects that will provide a quality of life that is second to none for the residents in the towns of Tecumseh, Kingsville, Amherstburg and Essex."

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 $3,333,333 to expand and upgrade Tecumseh and Manning roads. The Town of Tecumseh will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $10,000,000. Work includes adding turn lanes, enclosing storm drains, installing street lighting and traffic signals, constructing a storm sewer, as well as replacing the water main on Tecumseh Road.

"This area has experienced ongoing growth and development in the last few years and these projects will improve traffic flow, improve accessibility to commercial sites and reduce congestion," said Gary McNamara, Mayor of the Town of Tecumseh.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $1,575,467 to construct a gravity sewage collection system in the Hamlet of Ruthven. The Town of Kingsville will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $4,726,400. The project will include constructing a pumping station and installing force mains to the town's existing sewage works.

"We are eager to proceed with these vital improvements, which will update our sewage collection system and result in better environmental protection," said Nelson Santos, Mayor of the Town of Kingsville.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $1,250,000 to upgrade and expand the Amherstburg Sewage Collection System. The Town of Amherstburg will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $3,750,000. Work includes disconnecting private storm drains and road catch basins from sanitary sewers, and completing a combined sewer separation in the St. Arnaud, Simcoe Street, Dalhousie Street and the Laird Avenue neighborhoods.

"This is a high priority project for Amherstburg because it will decrease the storm water inflow and groundwater infiltration to the sanitary collection system, which will increase the capacity of our sewage treatment plant allowing for continued growth and prosperity of our town," said Wayne Hurst, Mayor of the Town of Amherstburg.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $899,000 to improve Third Concession, Roseborough Road and Hanlan Street. The Town of Essex will contribute the balance of the total eligible project cost of up to $2,697,000. The project includes adding curbs and gutters, reconstructing and resurfacing the roads and upgrading intersections with better street lighting.

"As a result of this project, our community will see the efficiency of our transportation network improve and heavy industrial traffic redirected from residential areas," said Ron McDermott, Mayor of the Town of Essex.

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.

Source: COMRIF