Toronto, Ontario, November 5, 2012 – The governments of Canada and Ontario today announced a renovation at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) will be the first project in a joint plan to invest more than $220 million in initiatives to improve bridges, highways, roads, wastewater infrastructure, disaster mitigation and cultural sites.
"Throughout Ontario, we are supporting initiatives that will improve highways, local roads and other infrastructure that keep our economy competitive and our communities strong,"
said the Honourable Denis Lebel, Canada's Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "By investing in important renovations at the ROM, we are contributing to the cultural life of the GTA and helping the local tourism industry."
"Every dollar we invest in infrastructure is a dollar invested in the economy and in quality of life for Ontario families,"
said the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation. "We know that well-maintained infrastructure is the foundation of a strong economy and a cornerstone of vibrant and prosperous communities."
The Royal Ontario Museum will receive up to $1.4 million to repair its roof. These renovations will enhance the visitor experience at the ROM, and increase the museum's functional lifespan.
Under the Building Canada Plan, Canada and Ontario have partnered to provide strategic funding for priority infrastructure needs. Through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, the Government of Canada is committed to providing $175 million to Ontario.
The two governments have now agreed to support 19 new projects across the province. Canada will invest up to $113.2 million and Ontario will contribute up to $111.2 million. More details regarding specific initiatives across Ontario will be announced shortly and the two governments continue to discuss more projects that could come under this Base Fund.
The Government of Canada has engaged provinces, territories, municipalities and key stakeholders in a series of roundtables to guide the development of a new long-term infrastructure plan that will support job creation, economic growth and prosperity. We understand that we are on the right track: there is a need for strong, sustained investment and we must continue to work together moving forward. To improve infrastructure across Canada and ensure affordability and sustainability over the long term, our new plan will encourage greater use of public-private partnerships. This will help leverage new investments in infrastructure while respecting Canadian taxpayers' ability to pay.
These investments also support Building Together, the Government of Ontario's long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province's roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Since 2003, Ontario has invested approximately $75 billion in infrastructure. Building modern, efficient infrastructure has created or preserved close to 100,000 jobs each year, on average, making Ontario's economy more productive and improving quality of life, now and in the future.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with Infrastructure Canada Web feeds, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit www.ontario.ca/infrastructure.
Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
David Salter
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation
416-327-1815
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
