Government of Canada supports dynamic community centre in Calgary's Willow Park neighbourhood

CALGARY, March 13, 2019 /CNW/ - Investing in recreational infrastructure is key to creating healthy inclusive communities where people can come together to get fit, enjoy hobbies and access community resources.

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, visited the site of the Willow Ridge Community Facility Enhancement Project in Calgary to see the progress on construction and preview the upgrades now under way for the facility.

More than 400 square metres of space is being added to the existing centre including a new community hall, meeting room, ice garage, public area, office space and multipurpose rooms. A new elevator is also being installed along with better flooring, larger windows and a new roof.

Once complete, the revamped Willow Ridge Community Centre will be able to accommodate a greater number of visitors, ensuring more Calgarians have access to community programming in a dynamic, modern and accessible space.

Quotes

"I am pleased to see work progressing on this important project. The new and improved Willow Ridge Community Centre will be a high-quality hub for community gatherings, sports and recreation, and educational activities that will help local residents thrive for years to come."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"This is the 52^nd year of our volunteer Community Association, and the modernizing and upgrading of our facility will be a great testimonial to the health and vibrancy of our growing neighbourhoods. Without the significant financial support of the governments of Canada, Alberta and the City of Calgary, this project would not be possible, and on behalf of our board and 7,000 community residents, we express our thanks and appreciation to our funding partners. Improving and enhancing the lifespan of our building will ensure that our community centre will remain the preferred 'gathering place' for our residents and neighbors, so that it will continue to meet the social, cultural and recreational needs of our growing and changing community and our neighbors for many more years to come. "

Donald Boykiw, President of the Willow Ridge Community Association

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• $25.3 billion of this funding is supporting social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• The Government of Canada is providing $1,065,406 to this project through the New Building Canada Fund, while the Government of Alberta is providing $350,000 and the Willow Ridge Community Association is contributing $173,534. The City of Calgary has also provided $2.3 million to this project.

Associated links

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/ab-eng.html

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

For further information: Ann-Clara Vaillancourt, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-697-3778, [e-mail]; Media Relations, Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [e-mail]

Related Links

www.infrastructure.gc.ca