January 16, 2008
Kimberley, British Columbia
The City of Kimberley will build a new, energy-efficient conference centre thanks to an investment of $2 million from the federal and provincial governments. This funding will be provided through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF), which supports the continued growth of B.C. communities as greener, healthier and more sustainable places to live.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Jim Abbott, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Kootenay Columbia, and Bill Bennett, MLA for East Kootenay.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support this project, which increases conference centre capacity and supports business and tourism opportunities in the community of Kimberley," said Parliamentary Secretary Abbott on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "Through collaboration and partnership, the Governemnt of Canada is delivering on its promise to build healthier and more sustainable communities."
The conference centre will encourage a diverse mix of businesses and services, improve tourism, increase investment, and act as a catalyst in the development of a strong sustainable year-round economy. The new building will exceed minimum energy-efficiency requirements under the Model National Energy Code, and the District will work to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards for energy consumption.
"I have always been impressed with how the community of Kimberley faced head-on the impending closure of their major employer, the Sullivan Mine, and how Mayor Ogilvy and the community have continued to pull together after the mine closed," said Bennett. "They have created golf courses and saved the ski resort. They are developing Paralympic training and performance facilities. And now, as a result of the generosity of the resorts of the Canadian Rockies and this program, they are creating this wonderful new conference centre in the resort village. This will make a real difference to people's lives in Kimberley and the area." The majority of the program funding from the CBCMRIF, which was launched in June 2006, supports communities of fewer than 250,000 people in minimizing the costs to taxpayers of local infrastructure upgrades or new construction projects.
At least 60 per cent of the funding will assist with "green projects" that are geared towards enhancing environmental sustainability, such as water and waste-water systems, public transit and environmental energy improvements. Other infrastructure projects will support local roads, cultural and recreational facilities, tourism and broadband connectivity. Funding for this project is conditionally approved pending the successful completion of an environmental assessment.
The total amount available through the CBCMRIF, with federal and provincial investments and matching local government contribution, is over $220 million. More details on the program are available online at www.canadabcmrif.ca.
Media Contacts:
Jackie StewartWestern Economic Diversification Canada604 666-1306
Marc BlackB.C. Ministry of Community Services250 356-6334
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
