Niagara Falls, Ontario, September 5, 2007 - The Honourable Rob Nicholson,
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the
Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities, today announced that Canada's New Government is committing up
to $35 million toward the construction of the Niagara Convention and Civic
Centre, which will help strengthen the economy in the Niagara Region.
"Canada's New Government is delivering on its commitment to support
infrastructure investments that create economic development and strengthen
tourism. This project, along with other federal infrastructure investments
in Ontario, such as wastewater treatment improvements in Hamilton Harbour,
and improvements to the York, Brampton and Mississauga transit systems,
contributes to sustainable communities," said Minister Nicholson.
The proposed Niagara Convention and Civic Centre project, located in
Niagara Falls, involves the construction of a facility with 100,000 square
feet of exhibition space and 30,000 square feet of meeting space. The
facility plans to attract approximately 500,000 visitors per year to the
Niagara Region and create 1,000 person-years of employment annually. Once
completed, the project is expected to be a model for environmental
sustainability and will seek to achieve Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design certification.
The federal funding commitment to this project is subject to the usual
due diligence review and final approval by the federal Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the signing of a
contribution agreement stating the project's details.
The federal contribution is provided through the existing Canada
Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), which supports large-scale
infrastructure projects that strengthen areas vital to sustaining economic
growth and environmental sustainability.
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Contacts:Natalie SarafianOffice of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities613-991-0700
Infrastructure CanadaCommunications 613-948-1148
