September 22, 2004 CALGARY, Alberta -- Albertans will benefit from a $15.2 million investment directed towards 31 culture and recreation projects across the province under the Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program (ICAP). These projects focus on building and renewing the community infrastructure that sustains the high quality of life enjoyed in Alberta’s communities. The Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), and the Honourable Ed Stelmach, Alberta Minister of Transportation made the announcement today. Cultural and recreational projects such as these that ensure Albertans across the province enjoy a strong quality of life,” said Minister McLellan. “This partnership program enables us to work together to continue to build vibrant and sustainable communities.” "These projects represent what's important to individual Alberta communities," said Minister Stelmach. "Alberta Transportation is proud to participate in these grassroots ventures, because they're initiated by the people who live in those communities and who know best what's needed to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents who live there." ICAP is a partnership between the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and in some cases, private-sector organizations. Funding approved for each project will be shared among the governments of Canada, Alberta and each community or project proponent. Some of the 31 projects approved for funding today include a retrofit to Calgary’s Family Leisure Centre and restorations to the Reader Rock Garden. In Edmonton, the Fort Edmonton Historical Foundation will be constructing a 1920s midway and exhibition project. Across Alberta, other projects include swimming pool upgrades in the Town of Milk River, community hall upgrades in the Summer Village of Sundance Beach, a firehall and community multi-purpose centre in Worsley, as well as restoration of the Prairie Bank of Commerce Museum in the Village of Innisfree. To date, 642 projects have been announced in Alberta under the program. With today’s projects, ICAP has invested a total of $523 million, exceeding its target of directing at least $508 million in federal, provincial and municipal funding toward municipal infrastructure in urban and rural communities across the province. In Alberta, ICAP is implemented by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Alberta Transportation, and is administered by a joint secretariat. The federal and provincial governments together will invest $8,746,398 toward the $15,210,036 announced today. The partnering municipalities or proponents will invest the remainder. The ICAP Management Committee approves the projects and is composed of representatives from the Governments of Canada and Alberta, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) and the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMD&C). "The Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program is a good example of a working partnership between all three levels of government," said Dorothy Moore on behalf of the AUMA. "The infrastructure needs of municipalities have never been greater. ICAP's versatile three-way partnership addresses infrastructure needs in all sizes of municipalities." “The funding support offered by ICAP allows our member municipalities to take on needed infrastructure improvements,” said Eugene Wauters on behalf of the AAMD&C. “Infrastructure is a high priority for municipal districts and counties.” The Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program agreement was signed October 10, 2000. Federal funding for ICAP was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget. Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program - Alberta Fact Sheet Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program - Backgrounder Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program - Project List Summary with Total Project Costs For additional information, contact: Donna Kinley A / Manager, CMC - Alberta Region Western Economic Diversification Canada Edmonton, Alberta Tel: (780) 495-6892 Toll-Free 1-888-338-9378 ICAP Web site: www.icap-pica.ca Renée Gillen Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification (613) 954-1110 Brad Stromberg Communications Alberta Transportation Edmonton, Alberta Tel: (780) 422-0296 (In Alberta, dial 310-0000 for toll-free connection outside of Edmonton)
