BRANT COUNTY—The governments of Canada and Ontario recognize the different ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted smaller and rural communities across the province. Both governments are making strategic investments in infrastructure to meet the specific needs of rural and northern Ontario municipalities and help them strengthen their local economies. The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo and Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development; Will Bouma, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brantford−Brant, on behalf of Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure; and His Worship David Bailey, Mayor of Brant County today announced funding for five road and bridge projects in rural Southwest and Northern Ontario. In Brant County, the reconstruction of King Edward Street between Puttown Road and Bishopgate Road will improve the safety and reliability of the road for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, and support better traffic flow, as well as facilitate active transportation. The work includes installing two, single-lane roundabouts and widening the road to accommodate a bike lane and sidewalks or a multi-use trail for pedestrians. In the Six Nations of the Grand River community, the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Highway 54 and Chiefswood Road will improve road safety, reliability, and traffic flow. It will also facilitate emergency response, provide better access to a planned housing and business development, as well as reduce operation and maintenance costs. In the Township of Harley, the replacement of the Roy Bridge will improve safety and reliability and reduce service interruptions. In Blandford-Blenheim, Bridge 24 on Township Road 12 will be replaced with a new, upgraded concrete structure, which will improve public safety and traffic flow. In addition, the reconstruction of a 1-kilometre section of King Edward Street in Brant County, and a 6.5-kilometre section of 31st Line in the Township of Zorra will make the roads safer and more reliable for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The Government of Canada is investing over $9.7 million in these projects through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario is contributing more than $5.5 million, municipalities are providing over $3.8 million, and the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation is contributing $208,556. The governments of Canada and Ontario are working in collaboration with their partners to support jobs, improve communities and build confidence as we safely and sustainably restore economic growth.