Caledon, Ontario, December 2, 2011 – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, and Marolyn Morrison, Mayor of the Town of Caledon, today celebrated the completion of the Sneath Road Bridge's rehabilitation.
"For generations, this historic landmark has served as a key piece of infrastructure in our community,"
said MP Tilson, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "Our Government is proud to invest in this important project that created local jobs and preserved a part of our history."
"The rehabilitation of the Sneath Road Bridge is an important project in Caledon, given the bridge is one of only two remaining, single lane, steel truss bridges in public use in this municipality,"
noted Mayor Morrison. "Both bridges are designated Heritage Structures and we're thrilled that the Sneath Road Bridge will continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike."
The rehabilitation project was completed in October 2011 thanks to a contribution of $140,000 from Canada's Gas Tax Fund, and $88,000 from the Town of Caledon. The original pony trusses of the bridge were kept and reused, while the steel bridge lower deck components were replaced.
Spanning the Humber River and built in the early part of the 20th century, the Sneath Road Bridge was designated a heritage structure in 2000. Due to its state of disrepair, the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in 2007. With the restoration complete, pedestrians and cyclists now have easier access to the Humber River Trail, a 32-kilometre, multi-use pathway.
"The federal Gas Tax Fund acknowledges that all orders of government must work together to address the pressing need for infrastructure investment in our municipalities,"
said Gary McNamara, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). "Stable and predictable, the Gas Tax Fund is supporting long-term investment in local priority projects right across Ontario."
Canada's Gas Tax Fund provides municipalities with stable, ongoing funding to build and rehabilitate public infrastructure. Through the Gas Tax Fund, the Government of Canada provides $746 million in funding annually for municipal infrastructure in Ontario. On October 4, 2011, the Government of Canada tabled legislation that will make the Gas Tax Fund a permanent annual investment of $2 billion. Between 2010 and 2014, the Town of Caledon will receive over $7 million from Canada's Gas Tax Fund.
For additional information, please contact:
Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Laura Johnston
Manager, Corporate Communications
Town of Caledon
905-854-2272 extension 4106
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-Free 1-877-250-7154
