Harper Government Invests in Culture and Infrastructure in the Tri-Cities

PORT MOODY, BC, March 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam), announced support for projects that will benefit the Tri-Cities.

Funding will support a wide range of arts, culture and official language organizations, as well as infrastructure improvement projects across the municipalities of Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy. Organizations receiving support include the Port Coquitlam Spirit Committee, the Port Moody May Day Task Force, and La Société Francophone de Maillardville.

"Our Government recognizes that heritage and culture, as well as recreation and public spaces, are important generators of economic growth, jobs and wealth in our communities," said Minister Moore. "Beyond their economic impact, arts and culture, together with sport and recreation centres, help to create a space for the community to come together. These investments will help ensure that the Tri-Cities continue to be a great place to live, work and raise a family."

"Supporting infrastructure projects like the ones announced here in the Tri-Cities area today is a priority for our Government," added the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "The Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund is strengthening our communities, while supporting jobs, growth and long-term prosperity."

"Mackin Park is the centre of Coquitlam's oldest neighbourhood, a community that is currently undergoing revitalization efforts," said Mayor Richard Stewart, City of Coquitlam. "We are thrilled to be able to take advantage of this great opportunity to enhance the park and natural spaces in Maillardville."

"On behalf of the Spirit Committee, I want to thank the Government of Canada for its contributions in helping Port Coquitlam celebrate our community spirit and heritage," said Mayor Greg Moore, City of Port Coquitlam. "We have a lot to be proud of in Port Coquitlam. As we mark our 100^th birthday throughout 2013, we're celebrating where we came from, but we are also looking for ways to build on what we've achieved."

"It's great to see the federal government recognizing the importance of both physical and cultural capital in our community, through the funding that Minister Moore has announced today," said Mayor Mike Clay, City of Port Moody. "This contributes significantly to our Centennial celebrations and assists in facility upgrades at the Port Moody Recreation and Art Centres. Additionally, we appreciate the federal commitment to our community as seen in the funding for arts and culture programs and the contribution to Golden Spike Days, the signature Port Moody celebration around Canada Day."

"On behalf of the organizations and volunteers involved with celebrating Port Moody's centennial, I'd like to sincerely thank the Government of Canada for its financial support," said Robert Simons, Chair of the Port Moody Centennial Ad Hoc Committee. "Port Moody's 2013 centennial celebrates the heritage, arts, culture and people of our community. Our centennial celebrations will honour our past and set the stage for our next 100 years."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $1,669,251 through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Western Economic Diversification Canada. For more information about these projects, please see the attached backgrounder.

BACKGROUNDER

Today's announcement includes support for the following projects:

From the Department of Canadian Heritage:

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
City	Organization	Project	Funding and Year
Coquitlam	Coquitlam Place Des Arts Society	Brighten Up! A Seasonal Celebration of Arts and Heritage	$2,000 (2012-2013)
Port Coquitlam	Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society	Port Coquitlam Heritage Centre	$96,750  (2012-2013)
Port Coquitlam	Port Coquitlam May Day Task Force	Port Coquitlam May Days	$13,300  (2013-2014)
Port Coquitlam	Port Coquitlam Spirit Committee	Port Coquitlam Centennial Celebrations	$101,600  (2013-2014)
Port Moody	Port Moody 2013 Ad Hoc Centennial Committee	Port Moody 2013 Centennial Celebrations	$103,800  (2012-2014)
Port Moody	Port Moody Golden Spike Days Society	37^th Annual Golden Spike Days Festival	$25,400  (2013-2014)
Port Moody	Port Moody Arts Centre Society	Centennial/Appleyard House	$32,000  (2012-2013) $448,785  (2013-2014)
			TOTAL: $823,635

Canada Arts Presentation Fund The Canada Arts Presentation Fund gives Canadians increased access to the variety and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
City	Organization	Project	Funding and Year
Coquitlam	Evergreen Cultural Centre Society	Evergreen Cultural Centre Season Series	$7,000  (2012-2013)
Coquitlam	Société Francophone De Maillardville	24e édition du Festival du Bois (2013) / Scène de Maillardville; 25e édition du Festival du Bois (2014) / Scène de Maillardville	$29,500  (2012-2013) $29,500  (2013-2014)
Port Moody	Port Moody Arts Centre Society	Port Moody Festival of the Arts 2012 and 2013	$10,000  (2012-2013) $10,000  (2013-2014)
			TOTAL: $86,000

Development of Official-Language Communities Program - Cooperation with the Community Sector This program aims to foster the development of Canada's minority Anglophone and Francophone communities and enable them to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian life.
City	Organization	Project	Funding and Year
Coquitlam	Scouts francophones de la Colombie-Britannique	Scouts - Families - Community: Accountability, Pride & Leadership	$28,000  (2012-2013)
Coquitlam	Société francophone de Maillardville	24^th edition of Festival du Bois	$40,000  (2012-2013)
			TOTAL: $68,000

From Human Resources and Skills Development Canada:

New Horizons for Seniors Program The New Horizons for Seniors Program supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities.
City	Organization	Project	Funding and Year
Port Coquitlam	Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133	Upgrade & Space Utilization of the Legion	$25,000  (2013-2014)
			TOTAL: $25,000

From Western Economic Diversification Canada:

Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund The Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund supports the rehabilitation or improvement of existing community infrastructure that is non-commercial and accessible to the public.
City	Organization	Project	Funding and Year
Coquitlam	City of Coquitlam	Upgrade Mackin Community Park	$250,000 (2012-2014)
Port Coquitlam	City of Port Coquitlam	Upgrade Cedar Park Ball Field	$250,000  (2012-2014)
Port Moody	City of Port Moody	Replace Port Moody Recreation Complex roof	$166,616  (2013-2014)
			TOTAL: $666,616

GRAND TOTAL: $1,669,251

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Anna Gravelle
A/Regional Manager
Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-6504

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[e-mail]

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)