January 24, 2008
North Vancouver, British Columbia
The District of North Vancouver will expand and refurbish the Capilano Library in Edgemont Village thanks to a joint 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 Russ Hiebert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament for South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale and Ralph Sultan, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano.
Renovations, including seismic upgrades, will bring the almost 1,500-square-metre structure to current building code and safety standards. Electrical and mechanical systems will also be improved to make the building more energy-efficient. Once complete, the library, which serves nearly 30,000 residents, will be safer and more attractive to visitors.
"The Government of Canada is proud to invest in these library infrastructure improvements which will benefit all North Vancouver residents," said Parliamentary Secretary Hiebert, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "Through investments such as this, our government is delivering on its promise to help communities grow as even more vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families."
"This project promotes education and social sustainability in the Capilano community and supports our government's goal of making B.C. the most literate jurisdiction in North America," said Sultan. "We're pleased to support the District of North Vancouver and other communities with infrastructure projects that bring heritage and cultural facilities up to building code and safety standards."
Launched in June 2006, the majority of the CBCMRIF program funding supports communities of fewer than 250,000 people to minimize 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," and 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, infrastructure to support tourism and broadband connectivity. The 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 through the CBCMRIF website 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.
