Ottawa, Ontario, November 15, 2007 - The Honourable John
Baird, Minister of the Environment, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon,
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, together with Royal
Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orléans, today announced that the
Government of Canada has identified the expansion of the Ottawa Congress Centre
as a priority for funding consideration under its new Building Canada
infrastructure plan.
The contribution from Building Canada would be a maximum of one-third of
eligible costs, up to a maximum of $50 million. This is an increase of $20
million from the original commitment of $30 million made by the Government of
Canada towards the project.
"The Ottawa Congress Centre is an essential part of the cultural experience
in the National Capital Region and our Government is here today to reaffirm our
commitment to its growth," said Minister Baird. "As a priority under Building
Canada, the expansion of the Ottawa Congress Centre will help promote Ottawa as
a world-class convention destination while increasing tourism, business and job
opportunities in the region."
The Ottawa Congress Centre is planning to expand to more than 200,000 square
feet, which would make it the fourth largest convention centre in Canada. The
total cost of the expansion is estimated at $159 million.
Federal financial support for the expansion of the Ottawa Congress Centre is
conditional on the initiative meeting all applicable federal eligibility
requirements under the Building Canada infrastructure plan, successful
negotiations with the Province of Ontario of a Framework Agreement under
Building Canada, as well as confirmation of municipal approval and participation
from other partners for the balance of the funding required. The Ottawa Congress
Centre will need to put in place a detailed business plan for the expansion,
obtain any necessary approvals and secure the full financing required to access
federal funding for the project.
On November 6, 2007, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of
Canada, officially launched Building Canada. 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 supports a stronger, safer and better
country.
For further information contact:
Karine WhitePress Secretary Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities613-991-0700
Eric RicherPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of the
Environment(819) 997-1441
Infrastructure Canada613-948-1148
