More than 770 Western Canadian community infrastructure projects were supported as part of the Canada 150 celebrations
OTTAWA, May 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in community and cultural infrastructure is essential to maintaining dynamic and inclusive communities. Community and cultural facilities are places where families can play, neighbours can meet and Canadians can celebrate the many cultures that make up our country. They are at the heart of towns and neighbourhoods across Canada.
The Government of Canada is proud of the results of its $91.3 million investment in Western Canada's community infrastructure. The projects that the Government supported during the Canada 150 anniversary year have enhanced community and cultural infrastructure, created a better future for Indigenous Peoples and promoted a clean growth economy across the West.
Federal funding supported improvements to parks, playgrounds, fitness trails, community centres and cultural facilities. The upgrades made to these community spaces also boosted local economic activity and improved access to public spaces, making communities stronger and more inclusive.
The projects received funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150), a Government of Canada program that invested in community infrastructure projects across the country. In Western Canada, CIP 150 was delivered by Western Economic Diversification Canada. The program concluded on March 31, 2018.
Quotes
"Our investments in community-building projects achieved tremendous results. We marked Canada's 150th anniversary by improving the places that bring us together—the places that allow us to stay fit, unwind and connect with our friends and neighbours. In a country where people come from every corner of the world, these communal spaces allow us to establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship. As such, they truly embody the values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
Quick Facts
- Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program was a $300-million national program established to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary through investments in the community spaces that bring Canadians together, with a portion of the funding delivered by a regional development agency in each region of the country.
- The program was designed to leave a lasting legacy by supporting the rehabilitation or improvement of existing community infrastructure assets and facilities across the country that promote community and cultural benefits for the public.
- The project and approved investment breakdown per province is as follows:
- British Columbia – 222 projects totalling $35,030,507;
- Alberta – 224 projects totalling $30,113,848;
- Saskatchewan – 175 projects totalling $12,406,540; and
- Manitoba – 150 projects totalling $13,785,435.
BACKGROUNDER: Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in Western Canada
The year 2017 marked the 150th anniversary of Confederation, an occasion for all Canadians to connect with the past, celebrate the country's achievements and look toward the future. It was an opportunity to reflect on and deepen our sense of what it means to be Canadian, as well as to begin a new era of optimism and hope across the country.
The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150), a $300-million fund established to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday, marked the occasion through investments in projects to rehabilitate, renovate or enhance cultural and community facilities. These spaces help define a community's sense of place, pride and purpose, and ensure that Canada 150 has a lasting legacy.
In Western Canada, the Government of Canada invested over $91.3 million to rehabilitate or improve more than 770 community infrastructure assets and facilities that create community and cultural benefits for the public.
Western Economic Diversification Canada was responsible for administering the program across the four western provinces. The program officially closed on March 31, 2018.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, CIP 150 supported 222 projects with approved investments totalling $35,030,507.
In British Columbia, one community that benefited from a project supported with the CIP 150 is Gibsons. The Gibsons Building Society received funding for the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre. Since launching the opening phase of the new Marine Education Centre and multi-purpose space in the fall 2017, the Gibsons Building Society has developed 30 exciting live exhibits showcasing 70 different local species from the rich underwater world of Howe Sound. More than 1,500 guests of all ages have visited (and revisited) the aquarium to see the stunning habitats, developing a deeper appreciation for marine environments.
Alberta
In Alberta, CIP 150 supported 224 projects with approved investments totalling $30,113,848.
One of the Alberta communities that benefited from a CIP 150 project is Grande Prairie. Clarkson Community Hall, one of the original buildings in Evergreen Park, received funding to do renovations that have helped to extend the lifespan of the facility. Its transformation has reinvigorated the building as an attractive space for community events. The building has significant historical meaning to the community. It is named after pioneer Douglas Clarkson, who helped establish the distribution system that brought electric light and power to farms in Alberta.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, CIP 150 supported 175 projects with approved investments totalling $12,406,540.
One example of a project in Saskatchewan that benefited from CIP 150 support is the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of Regina. The YMCA partnered with Executive Mat Service Ltd. under their Green Thumb program, an initiative designed to reduce waste that typically ends up in the landfill. Using CIP 150 funding, the YMCA invested in an energy capture boiler system to heat the pool at their facility. The new system uses biofuel pellets made from recycled paper and food wastes gathered throughout the city. The upgrade will demonstrate that an energy capture system works in a commercial setting. It will also significantly reduce the YMCA's reliance on natural gas by using waste as an alternate heating source. The YMCA sees its new boiler system as a means of controlling their costs to help better serve their clients, while also demonstrating excellent environmental stewardship.
Manitoba
In Manitoba, CIP 150 supported 150 projects with approved investments totalling $13,785,435.
One Manitoba project that benefited from CIP 150 funding is the Winkler Recreation Complex in Winkler. The community used the investment to make several upgrades to the arena, including installing an exterior ramp, automated doors, rubber flooring and benches in the dressing rooms. Prior to the renovations, the arena had limited accessibility for users with mobility impairments. The improvements to the facility have enabled people of all ages and abilities access to the arena.
Associated Links
- Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program Intake 1 approved projects
- Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program Intake 2 approved projects
SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada
Media Relations, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Telephone: 613-227-7393, Email: [email protected]
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