January 15, 2008
Coquitlam, British Columbia
The Coquitlam Public Library will benefit from upgrades to its Poirier branch, thanks to a joint investment of $2 million from the federal and provincial governments through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF), which supports the continued growth of British Columbia communities as greener, healthier and more sustainable places to live.
The announcement was made today by James Moore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics and Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam, Iain Black, MLA for Port Moody-Westwood, and Harry Bloy, MLA for Burquitlam.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to work in partnership with all orders of government to invest in 'green' projects, such as this renovation to the Coquitlam Public Library," said MP Moore 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. "This renovation will create additional space, encourage increased library membership and help meet the long-term needs of this growing community."
Approximately 42,200 Coquitlam area library users will benefit from renovations to the 19-year-old, 2400-square-metre library. Upgrades include reconfiguring the interior, constructing a new main entry and adding a skylight. A hallway will be converted into useable space, and mechanical and electrical systems will be upgraded. The project will follow LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) sustainability guidelines for interior construction, which is a set of guidelines that outline the ecological footprint of the construction and operational processes.
"This project will make a tremendous difference to the health and sustainability of the community, in particular supporting our government's goal of making B.C. the most literate jurisdiction in North America," said Bloy. "We're pleased to support Coquitlam with infrastructure that contributes to education and culture, while taking into account the environment."
The library also serves as a venue for community events, and the additional space will accommodate more people for meetings and training sessions.
"The library is an important gathering spot for this growing community, and I'm extremely pleased that the building will receive a much needed renovation," said Black. "I commend the staff at the library for working with senior governments on this necessary improvement."
"Our public have told us they want a library that is as appealing and comfortable as their living rooms or a book store - with options for quiet study, browsing and conversation. They want a library that acts as a community commons, where people can meet, learn, interact or just 'be' in safe, clean, free public space," said Maureen Woods, Director of the Coquitlam Public Library. "The renovation will provide increased public space, which will allow us to reconfigure our interior to meet and hopefully exceed these expectations."
"In these times of rapid change, lifelong learning has become more essential than ever for all of us to keep up with the pace of change, and to ensure a prosperous economy," says Mayor Maxine Wilson, City of Coquitlam. "Libraries have always been integral to learning and literacy and they are even more important today, so we're delighted to be contributing towards the expansion of this library in Coquitlam as a critical focal point for enriching our community."
Launched in June 2006, CBCMRIF 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, and 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.
