For immediate release
Trois-Rivières, July 4, 2006 — The Honourable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, took part today in a ceremony marking the official transfer of the Trois-Rivières harbourfront park to the municipality. Mr. Fortier had the pleasure of joining his Worship Yves Lévesque, Mayor of Trois-Rivières, in unveiling commemorative plaques at this event held as part of the festivities celebrating the July 4, 1634, founding of the city.
The transfer of this property to the City includes a contribution of $4.7 million and a piece of land on Des Chenaux Boulevard worth $373,000. These amounts will cover the total maintenance investments planned for the harbourfront park over the next 15 years. The transfer follows the signing of an administrative agreement on March 29, 2006, by representatives of the Government of Canada and the City of Trois-Rivières.
“Through this transfer and contribution, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to working with the other levels of government to revitalize the Trois-Rivières region,” Minister Fortier said. “In just a few months, the new government of Canada has launched a number of projects that will have a direct impact on the citizens and communities of this country. This new way of thinking, acting and doing is evident in the transfer of this magnificent harbourfront park, an asset that is yet another reason why your city’s motto, 'Trois-Rivières, a past full of promise,' is so appropriate.”
The harbourfront park was created in the mid-1980s at a cost of nearly $14 million. In 1988, the Department of Public Works and Government Services signed a lease entrusting management of the facilities to the City of Trois-Rivières. The park has remained open and has proved a very popular site, thanks to ongoing co-operation between the City of Trois-Rivières and Public Works and Government Services Canada. The City will be working with the Corporation de développement culturel to co-ordinate management, activity planning and maintenance services for this very popular site.
Minister Fortier also took the opportunity to encourage the city’s residents and visitors to the park to enjoy the pleasant festivities at this attractive site.
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For more information, media may contact
Nicole Babin
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Fortier
(819) 997-5421
Media Relations Unit
Public Works and Government Services Canada
(819) 956-2315
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