Edmonton, Alberta, August 29, 2008 - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, together with Naresh Bhardwaj, MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie and provincial government representative on the Northlands Board, and the Chair of Northlands Mr. Jerry Bouma, today announced that the Government of Canada will contribute to the expansion of the Northlands exhibition facility under the Building Canada plan.
Northlands will be eligible for federal funding to a maximum of one-third of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $25 million, under the Building Canada Fund.
"On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our government, I applaud Northlands' 128-year legacy of contributing to the community, both socially and economically, and recognizes the role it will continue to play in Edmonton's future," said Minister Prentice. "Under the Building Canada plan, the expansion of the Northlands exhibition facility will help promote Edmonton as a world-class convention destination while increasing tourism, business and job opportunities in the region."
"Northlands has benefitted Edmonton and Alberta in many ways, economically, culturally and socially for as long as we have been a province," said Mr. Bhardwaj. "This investment today, along with the $50 million in provincial commitments announced over the last few years, will help ensure that Northlands continues to benefit our communities for years to come."
The project includes expanding the Northlands exhibition facility by over 225,000 square feet, to a total size of 520,000 square feet, making it Canada's fourth largest exhibition venue and the largest in Western Canada. This expansion will create additional exhibit, conference and meeting space to serve and expand Northlands' conference and trade and consumer show business. The total cost of the expansion project for Northlands, a community-based, not-for-profit organization, is estimated at $150 million.
Federal financial support for the expansion of the Northlands exhibition facility is conditional on the initiative meeting all applicable federal eligibility requirements under the Building Canada infrastructure plan, including the negotiation of a contribution agreement and the demonstration of secured financing for the remaining costs.
"Northlands is very appreciative of the Government of Canada's generous funding commitment announced today, dedicated for our facility expansion effort – Project Evolution .09," said Jerry Bouma, Chair of the Northlands Board of Directors. "The investments from both the Governments of Canada and Alberta have played a significant role in turning our vision for Project Evolution .09 into a reality and will continue to position Northlands at the forefront of Canada's exhibition, entertainment and agriculture industries, while ensuring that Edmonton will achieve its potential as a key business, trade, tourism and event destination," Bouma added.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer and better country.
For further information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
For further information contact:
Jean-Maurice Duplessis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Gerald Kastendieck
Communications
Alberta Treasury Board
780-427-6699
Brian Leadbetter
Director, Government and Community Relations
Northlands
780-471-7295
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
