Calgary, Alberta, October 5, 2007 - The Honourable Jim Prentice,
Minister of Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon,
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced
that Canada's New Government will consider the Centre of Sport Excellence
in Calgary, Alberta as a priority for funding of up to one-third of
eligible costs, to a maximum federal contribution of $40 million, under
Building Canada, the new long term infrastructure plan of Canada's New
Government.
Minister Prentice was joined by the Dave Rodney, MLA for
Calgary-Lougheed and Chair of the Calgary Caucus, Jim Younker, acting
President and CEO of the Calgary Olympic Development Association (CODA),
and Bob Nicholson, President of Hockey Canada.
"As part of its Building Canada infrastructure plan, Canada's New
Government is investing in priority infrastructure projects that support a
growing economy, a cleaner environment, and stronger communities," said
Minister Prentice. "Major sport infrastructure projects, such as the
Centre of Sport Excellence, are an essential part of healthy Canadian
cities and communities and contribute to the physical well-being of
Canadians and excellence in sport. This project will provide an important
national facility benefiting athletes across Canada and internationally,
while generating important economic benefits for the region."
Upgrading the legacy of facilities funded by the federal, provincial
and municipal governments for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, while adding
new ones, CODA's vision for the Centre of Sport Excellence was a plan
launched in 2001 to make Canada the world-leading winter sport nation by
2010. The made-in-Canada solution was developed after in-depth study of
institutes built by leading sport nations around the world including
Australia, Europe and the United States, which have resulted in increased
athletic performance and participation in those countries.
The core new facility to be added to the Centre is an Athletic and Ice
Complex at Canada Olympic Park, which is the hub location of the planned
developments in southern Alberta. The Centre will provide the necessary
resources athletes need to train and win.
Financial support is conditional on the initiative meeting all
applicable federal eligibility requirements under the Building Canada
infrastructure plan, successful negotiation of a framework agreement under
the plan between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta,
and the subsequent negotiation and signing of a project funding
agreement.
"The Province of Alberta will work closely with the Government of
Canada to set the stage for excellence for athletes from our province and
across the country," said Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach. "Together, we will
create winners for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond."
"This is an unprecedented day for sport in our country. Canadian
athletes just won more Olympic and Paralympic medals thanks to this
generous, and critically important financial contribution by the
Government of Canada," said Jim Younker, acting president, CODA. "This
investment allows CODA to turn its long-term vision into the facilities
athletes need to be the best in the world. Athletes for generations to
come will thank the Government of Canada for this funding, and we are so
grateful for their support."
The Athletic and Ice Complex will be the new permanent home to Hockey
Canada, which has outgrown its existing facilities. CODA, in partnership
with Hockey Canada, has designed this complex so it can be built in
stages.
"This great announcement ensures we will finally have a permanent home
where our national teams can train. It provides a competitive advantage
which will allow us to be the best in the world," said Bob Nicholson,
president, Hockey Canada. "The pursuit of excellence and medal
performances at all levels is a common goal in sport and the Centre of
Sport Excellence gives Canadian athletes access to world-leading training
and programs."
Friday's funding announcement by the Government of Canada, along with
the $69 million contribution by the Alberta government which was announced
earlier this year, kick-starts the project.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure
plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and
predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada.
Building Canada will support a stronger, safer and better country. Over
the last several months, the Government of Canada has met with provinces,
territories and the municipal sector to discuss the Building Canada
infrastructure plan with a view to signing agreements and begin funding
projects under the plan.
CODA is a national leader in creating Canadian Olympic winter sport
excellence from the grassroots level to the country's best athletes. A
not-for-profit organization, CODA supports national sport organizations,
encourages educational opportunities and subsidizes the operation of
unique training and recreational facilities used by the nation's top
athletes and the general public For more information on CODA please visit
us at www.coda.ca on the
Internet.
Contacts:
Deirdra McCrackenPress SecretaryOffice of the Industry
Minister613-995-9001
Karine WhitePress Secretary Office of the Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada613-948-1148
Chris DornanDirector of CommunicationsCalgary Olympic
Development Association403-247-5423
