Ronald McDonald House in Newfoundland and Labrador will benefit from outdoor accessibility upgrades
News release
Government of Canada supports the revitalization of community spaces
January 18, 2023 · St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have welcoming, safe and accessible community public spaces where people can come together. Community public spaces are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. A strong, resilient future is linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.
Today, Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, announced an investment of $250,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for Ronald McDonald House Charities Newfoundland and Labrador (Ronald McDonald House). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This support will allow Ronald McDonald House to design and build an accessible outdoor space for sick or injured children, and their families, to enjoy and create memories for years to come.
The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The Fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. As public health restrictions ease, the Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This in turn will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.
Quotes
“Strong, vibrant communities in Newfoundland and Labrador are critical to building a resilient, inclusive economy and a brighter future for Canadians. Investing in spaces like Ronald McDonald House’s outdoor common area in St. John’s gives children and their families a safe, welcoming place to come together.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Ronald McDonald House in St. John’s provides a safe and positive place for families with sick children going through challenging times. With this investment from the Government of Canada, we are helping create an accessible, fun outdoor area for children and families from across the province. This new space will be something to brighten the days of the people who, for a point in time, call this place home.”
- Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
“We are thrilled to receive this outstanding investment through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved with this incredible support that will allow Ronald McDonald House to complete Family Time Park, an accessible outdoor space for sick or injured children, and their families, to enjoy and create memories for many, many years to come.”
- Gail Collins, Board Member, Ronald McDonald House Charities NL on behalf of the Board of Directors
Quick facts
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The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports two major streams of activity:
- adapting community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,
- building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions.
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Application intake for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund is now closed. If you have a pending application, please contact your account manager for more information.
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Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery. Application intake is open through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for the Jobs and Growth Fund, the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, and the Tourism Relief Fund.
Associated links
Contacts
Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
Christina Morgan
Director, Development & Communications
Ronald McDonald House Charities Newfoundland and Labrador
709-725-3145