Freeport and Clementsport Benefit from CIP150 Program

Government of Canada Supports Infrastructure Improvements for the Royal Canadian Legion Carpiquet Branch 92 and the Cornwallis Military Museum

January 20, 2017 – Freeport, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, today announced $86,807 in funding, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150), to upgrade two pieces of community infrastructure. MP Fraser made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

An $81,450 contribution supports the Royal Canadian Legion Carpiquet Branch 92 as it makes improvements to its existing building in Freeport. The project includes replacing and strengthening the roof, walls and floors; upgrading the washrooms, kitchen and electrical; replacing windows, doors, hot water and pressure tanks; as well as installing a new security system. These renovations will help revitalize the only venue in the area with the capacity to host major community functions. Additional support for the project includes $81,523 from the Legion.

A $5,357 contribution supports the Cornwallis Military Museum Association as it repairs the roof of its building in Clementsport. The museum showcases 50 years of Canadian military history and attracts 1,200 visitors over the summer tourism season. Repairing the roof will reduce maintenance and heating costs and sustain the infrastructure, contributing to the Museum’s continued success. Additional support for the project includes a $5,358 contribution from the Cornwallis Military Museum Association.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is proud to invest in organizations like Carpiquet Branch 92 and the Cornwallis Military Museum that serve our communities, honour our history, support our veterans, and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Canada’s 150th anniversary is an historic opportunity to connect with our past, celebrate our achievements and build a lasting legacy by making public investments that support vital community meeting places such as these.”

     - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“The Government recognizes the value of the history, culture, community and opportunity that is demonstrated by organizations such as Carpiquet Branch 92 and the Cornwallis Military Museum. Today’s announcement is an example of the valuable investments the Government of Canada is providing through the CIP150 program. This funding will enable the Legion and Museum to be a source of pride in the community as they continue to promote remembrance, support our veterans and provide vital meeting places for residents and visitors.”

     - Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova

“This funding from the Government of Canada has been a breath of new life for Carpiquet Branch 92. This project has provided us with the opportunity to continue to show the next generations of Islanders the contributions and sacrifices the three villages have made to the history and continued security of our great country.”

     - Robert Thurber, President, Royal Canadian Legion Carpiquet Branch 92

“The Cornwallis Military Museum Association is dedicated to preserving the history of Cornwallis as a Military Training Base for 50 years. Non-funded museums, such as ours, have a difficult time raising funds to do major repairs on the buildings in their care. Thanks to the Government of Canada contribution we were able to repair the roof of the Museum thus protecting the artifacts and enabling us to meet the criteria to renew our insurance.”

     - Lorraine Herlt, Curator, Cornwallis Military Museum Association

Associated Links

• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
• The Royal Canadian Legion
• Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92, Freeport, N.S.
• Cornwallis Military Museum

Contacts

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca 

Steve Laugher
Project Manager
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92
Phone: 902-839-2212
E-mail: wharfrat53@hotmail.com 

Ursula Kroll
Public Relations Coordinator
Cornwallis Military Museum Association
Phone: 1-902-463-2088
E-mail: pr@cornwallismuseum.ca 

Background

The CIP150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships, while supporting the Government’s priorities to promote a clean-growth economy and ensure a better future for Indigenous peoples.