For Release
March 12, 2007
Calgary, Alberta –The City of Calgary will have
a new energy efficient power system with investments from the Canada-Alberta
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CAMRIF).
A combined federal/provincial investment of $20 million will help with
the first phase in developing a new “green” heat and power
energy system for downtown Calgary. The new system will drive electric
generators and provide electricity throughout the downtown core, considerably
improving Calgary’s energy efficiency. Through CAMRIF, funding for
this project will total more than $30 million with the federal and provincial
governments each contributing $10 million, and the City of Calgary contributing
$11.8 million.
The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the
Queen’s Privy Council, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Harvey Cenaiko, MLA
for Calgary-Buffalo, on behalf of Luke Ouellette, Minister of Alberta
Infrastructure and Transportation, made the joint announcement today.
“Canada’s New Government is working in partnership to get
things done for Calgarians,” said Minister Prentice. “Today
we are proud to announce that we are investing $10 million for the development
of a new ‘green’ heat and power energy system for downtown
Calgary. When complete, this project is expected to result in significant
greenhouse gas reduction.”
“The Government of Alberta is proud to contribute $10 million to
this project which will result in cleaner burning natural gas-fired electricity,”
said MLA Cenaiko. “This project will help manage growth pressures
in Calgary, improve Albertans’ quality of life and build a stronger
Alberta – three of Premier Ed Stelmach’s five priorities.”
"Calgary's Downtown District Energy project represents a true collaboration
between federal, provincial and local government to promote sustainable
energy solutions and build sustainable communities, “ said Dave
Bronconnier, Mayor for the City of Calgary. “Over the next year,
re-development in the Rivers District will begin, providing us the opportunity
to implement district energy to heat, cool and eventually power a large
number of buildings in the downtown. It's a very positive leap forward
for the environment, and demonstrates the commitment to a Green Future
by your federal, provincial and municipal governments."
The Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is a joint initiative
between Canada’s New Government and the Alberta Government that
enables communities to address local infrastructure needs. Over the course
of CAMRIF, the federal and provincial governments will contribute $88
million in funding for municipal infrastructure renewal. With matching
one-third contributions from municipalities, the funds will reach at least
$264 million.
A minimum of 55 per cent of funding under CAMRIF targets green infrastructure
projects that contribute to community economic development and environmental
quality of life. These include water, wastewater, solid waste, environmental
energy improvements and public transit. The fund also invests in recreational
infrastructure, tourism and cultural projects, local roads and broadband
connectivity. Projects are selected on a competitive basis from applications
received from Alberta communities.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Kerry Joyes,
Communications Strategist
Infrastructure Services,
The City of Calgary
Tel: (403) 268-8872
Cell: (403) 669-9544
E-Mail: kerry.joyes@calgary.ca
Jerry Bellikka
Communications Director
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 415-1841
Chris Wade, Director
Infrastructure Services
The City of Calgary
Tel: (403) 268-3223
E-Mail: chris.wade@calgary.ca
