Chapais, October 6,
2006 - Acting on behalf of Nathalie Normandeau, Quebec's Ministre des Affaires municipales et des Régions,
Pierre Corbeil, Ministre des Ressources naturelles
et de la Faune, Ministre responsable de la région de
l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue et de la région du
Nord-du-Québec and Member of the National
Assembly for Abitibi-Est, today joined the
Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn,
Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, in
announcing that the City of Matagami will received $424,470 in combined
government funding under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) to carry
out repairs to the Matagami Civic Centre.
These improvements to the exterior shell of the
building, which was built in 1967, mainly involve adding new insulation,
replacing windows and carrying out masonry work to replace damaged bricks and
repair cracks. This work is intended to address the insulation and leak problems
threatening the structural integrity of this municipal infrastructure.
"The Government of Quebec is proud to be part of the
efforts undertaken to ensure the soundness of the Civic Centre. With the
diversity and nature of the services it offers, this facility plays a key role
in the quality of Matagami community life and in maintaining and developing
commercial, industrial and tourism activities in the Nord-du-Québec region," stated
Minister Corbeil.
"In addition to improving the appearance of the existing
infrastructure and making it better insulated and more airtight, this project is
sure to have a rallying effect on the community. This contribution from Canada's
new government will allow the local authorities to modernize a centre that, in
may ways, helps Matagami earn its standing as a dynamic community and the
gateway to James Bay," noted Minister Blackburn.
Completion of this important project will require a
total investment of $636,706, eligible under Component 3 of the MRIF. As such,
the Government of Quebec and Government of Canada will each contribute $212,235
toward the work, for a total of $424,470 in combined government funding, while
the City of Matagami will assume $212,236 of the project's costs.
The Matagami Civic Centre is the
main rallying point for local residents and is home to the municipal library, a
multi-purpose hall used for shows, exhibitions and banquets, an indoor pool,
bowling alley, youth centre and other associated facilities.
The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is a
$390 million cost-sharing initiative of the Government of Quebec and the
Government of Canada to help finance municipal infrastructure projects in
Quebec. With the financial participation of municipalities, this initiative
could result in investments of nearly $576 million for infrastructure work
in the province. The objectives of the MRIF are to upgrade community
infrastructure, improve the quality of the environment, promote long-term
economic growth and enhance citizens' quality of life.
Implementation of the MRIF in Quebec is the
result of a joint agreement signed by the Government of Quebec and the
Government of Canada in July 2005. The program, which is in force until
March 31, 2010, is administered by Quebec's Ministère
des Affaires municipales et des Régions.
Canada Economic Development is responsible for delivering the
federal portion of the MRIF on behalf of the Government of Canada.
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Source:
Christine Poirier LabergeCommunications AdvisorCommunications BranchMinistère des Affaires municipales et des Régions514-873-3687
Information:
Jonathan TrudeauPress
SecretaryOffice of the Ministre
des Affaires municipales et des Régions418-691-2050
Roxane MarchandPress
SecretaryOffice of the Honourable Jean-Pierre
BlackburnCanada Economic Development819-953-5646613-816-5094
Jean Décary
Communications
Advisor
Canada Economic Development
514-283-2234
