Ottawa, Ontario, September 5, 2008 - The redevelopment of the Ottawa Congress Centre is one step closer to becoming reality thanks to the signing of a contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and th he Ottawa Congress Centre (OCC).
The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, toget her with Jim Durrell, Chair of the Board of the Ottawa Congress Centre, today announced the signing of the Contribution Agreement between Canada and the OCC.
"The redevelopment of the Ottawa Congress Centre will boost economic growth i n the National Capital Region, and is expected to bring in more than $100 million per year in retail, hotel, restaurant and transportation spending," said Minister Baird. "This government believes an investment in a new convention facility is well worth the economic, as well as cultural, benefits this region will enjoy."
Under the Building Canada Fund, the Government of Canada will provide one-third of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $50 million. The remaining costs will be funded by the Province of Ontario, the City of Ottawa and the private sector. Total eligible costs of the project are estimated at over $166 million.
OCC Board Chair Jim Durrell announced that substantial proposals from two eminently qua lified proponents were received on August 28, 2008, and are now undergoing scrutiny by the Project Management Team. The OCC expects to make its selection at the end of September and choose between EllisDon Corporation and Parkin Architects, or PCL Constr uctors Inc. and Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects.
"We were delighted to receive outstanding proposals from both proponents, and we extend our thanks for the brilliant effort they have put forward," Mr. Durrell said. "The prop osed solutions have clearly demonstrated that we have attracted the best talent and expertise anywhere in the field of construction and design. The Board is very excited about the final selection of the proponent and to see demolition begin next month."
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the federal government is supporting this initiative with the Government of Ontario and City of Ottawa, providing long-term, stable and predictable fundin g to help meet infrastructure needs in the National Capital Region and across Canada.
For more information, please contact:
Catherine Loubier
Director of communications
Office of the Mini ster of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
(613) 991-0700
Kathryn Hendrick
Ottawa Congress Centre
(416) 277-6281
Infrastructure Canada
(613) 948-1148
