REGION OF WATERLOO — Canadians everywhere are feeling the impact of COVID-19, on their families, their livelihoods and their way of life. Together, Canada and Ontario are working to reduce the impact of the pandemic, ensure health and safety, rebuild businesses, and promote job creation, growth and investment.

Today, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Federal Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga; Raj Saini, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre; Stephen Crawford, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure and Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure; Mike Harris, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga; and Regional Chair Karen Redman, Region of Waterloo, announced joint funding for 10 community, culture and recreation infrastructure projects in southwestern Ontario.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $6.9 million toward these projects, with the Government of Ontario providing over $5.8 million through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The recipients are contributing more than $4.6 million, including private donations, toward their respective projects.

In the Waterloo Region, joint funding will support the rehabilitation of the heritage designated West Montrose Covered Bridge, located in the Township of Woolwich. Work will include removing and replacing steel bailey trusses with concealed steel girders, repairing and replacing the roof, and reinstalling the fire alarm system. While under construction, the bridge will be temporarily supported to preserve its structural integrity and heritage design.

Other projects in this bundle will support renovations, upgrades, and expansions to community and recreational facilities, installation of a new septic system at an outdoor centre, and creation of a multi-use trail to connect an existing trail network to a new transit hub.

All orders of government continue to work together for the people of Ontario to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province when they are needed most.