The federal and provincial governments will support a retrofit project for the Calgary Public Building to improve its energy efficiency and preserve it as a historical landmark.
Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, 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, and Len Webber, MLA for Calgary-Foothills, announced the funding of more than $3.8 million today through the Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CAMRIF).
"The Government of Canada is proud to invest in this important historical landmark and help ensure its continued service to Calgary residents," said MP Richardson. "Today's announcement demonstrates our Government's commitment to provide efficient and modern infrastructure in our communities."
The Calgary Public Building, built in 1929, is still in use today. The renovations will make it 25 per cent more efficient than the national building code while decreasing heating costs. The upgrades will enable this historic building to continue to serve future generations of Calgary residents.
"The Alberta government is pleased the historic Calgary Public Building will not only be restored, but will also incorporate today's significantly higher environmental standards," said MLA Len Webber. "This retrofit project will enable the facility to continue to provide service to Albertans for many more years to come."
Prime Minister R.B. Bennett opened the Calgary Public Building on August 21, 1931. The classical detailing of the eight-storey Tyndall limestone-clad structure is typical of government architecture of the period. In 1979, the City of Calgary bought the building and adapted it to incorporate the Jack Singer Concert Hall as part of the Calgary Centre for the Performing Arts. The upper floors are occupied by City of Calgary offices. The old style brass elevators inside are the last manually operated ones in this province.
"The first phase in the proposed project is a clear demonstration of The City of Calgary's commitment to preserving the City's heritage buildings," said Sharon Purvis, Director of Corporate Properties & Buildings at The City of Calgary. "This project will reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and position the building to take advantage of District Energy."
Under the initial CAMRIF Agreement signed in June 2006, the federal and provincial governments each committed $88 million to the fund, with participating local governments expected to make up the remaining costs. In April 2007, the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta each provided an additional $19 million to the Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. The total amount available from the CAMRIF, with federal and provincial investment and matching local government contribution in projects, is $321 million.
A minimum of 55 per cent of funding under CAMRIF targets green infrastructure projects that contribute to community economic development and environmental quality of life. These include water, wastewater, solid waste, environmental energy improvements and public transit. The fund also invests in recreational infrastructure, tourism, cultural projects, local roads and broadband connectivity. Projects are selected on a competitive basis from applications received from Alberta communities.
Contacts:
Donna Kinley
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Jerry Bellikka
Director of Communications
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 415-1841
Ed Conway
Communications Leader
Asset Management & Capital Works
City of Calgary
Tel: (403) 268-4843
