March 18, 2008
Quesnel, British Columbia
The City of Quesnel will improve its Arts and Recreation Centre, thanks to an investment of nearly $260,000 from the federal and provincial governments. The funding is provided through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF), which enables communities across B.C. to become healthier, greener and more sustainable places to live.
The announcement was made today by Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George, and John Rustad, MLA for Prince George-Omineca.
"Improvements to the building will reduce the Centre's operating costs, allowing it to invest savings towards maintaining and expanding community programs," said MP Harris, 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. "Our government is proud to partner with the Province of British Columbia to help Quesnel grow as a healthier and more sustainable community."
"This retrofit will make Quesnel's Arts and Recreation Centre 25 per cent more efficient than the national building code while decreasing heating fuel costs and reducing greenhouse gases and CO2 emissions," said Rustad, on behalf of Community Services Minister Ida Chong. "These changes will make a tremendous difference to the health and sustainability of the community and it's only through our partnership funding that we're able to make this a reality."
By improving energy efficiencies, the recreational centre will reduce its environmental footprint and generate annual savings of approximately $69,000. The retrofit will also reduce the relative humidity levels within the facility and improve longevity of the swimming pool
"The Cariboo Regional District is committed to providing its residents with the best possible services in a cost-effective manner," stated North Cariboo Rural Caucus chair Ted Armstrong. "By incorporating new technologies, such as the energy retrofit equipment, we will ensure that facilities such as the Quesnel Arts and Recreation Centre are sustainable for now and for future generations."
Launched in June 2006, the majority of the program funding from the 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" 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.
For additional information, contact:
Jackie Stewart
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, B.C.
Tel: 604 666-1306
Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Marc Black
Communications Manager
B.C. Ministry of Community Services
Victoria, B.C.
Tel: (250) 356-6334
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
