Coteau-du-Lac, June 7, 2009 – On the occasion of the official inauguration of the Wilson Pavilion, Lucie Charlebois, Member of the National Assembly for Soulanges and Assistant Government Whip, acting on behalf of Nathalie Normandeau, Vice-première ministre and Ministre des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire, today joined the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, in underscoring the $1,587,626 in government assistance awarded to the Town of Coteau-du-Lac under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
This government assistance was used to restore the Wilson Pavilion and rebuild Wilson Park in order to enhance Coteau-du-Lac’s downtown core. The main work involved restoring the 1924 building so it could serve as a cultural and multipurpose centre, and adding a basement, which now houses a multipurpose hall, dressing rooms and workshops. On the main floor, a second multipurpose hall operates as an auditorium, reception hall or exhibition room, as well as a theatre area with a variety of stage equipment. Exterior renovations, including the installation of an awning, round out this project. Together, these improvements will benefit the entire local population, as well as tourists visiting the region.
“I share your joy today at the inauguration of the Wilson Pavilion and Wilson Park in Coteau-du-Lac. They will have a positive impact on the living environment, as well as strengthening residents’ sense of belonging to their community,” stated MNA Lucie Charlebois. “This new infrastructure meets the needs expressed by local residents, as well as increasing the attractiveness of the municipality and fostering cultural, economic and tourism development.”
“Infrastructure projects such as this one stimulate local and regional development,” added Minister Lebel. “Indeed, they are essential for Canada’s future. They enhance Canadians’ quality of life in a tangible, lasting manner. That is one of the reasons why the Government of Canada considers it important to support initiatives that help enhance the tourism offering.”
Completion of this project required total eligible investment of $2,381,440 under component 3 of the MRIF. The Canadian and Quebec governments each contributed $793,813, for total government funding amounting to $1,587,626, while the Town of Coteau-du-Lac put up $793,814 for the project.
The Mayor of Coteau-du-Lac, Robert Sauvé, is delighted with this project, which contributes to enhancing residents’ well-being and developing his municipality.
The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is a cost-sharing initiative of the Government of Canada and Government of Quebec that makes $470 million in funding available to Quebec municipalities and non-governmental organizations. With the financial participation of these municipalities and organizations, this initiative could result in the execution of more than $700 million in infrastructure work. The objectives of the MRIF are to improve community infrastructure, the quality of the environment and citizens' quality of life, and to promote long-term economic growth.
This program, in effect until March 31, 2010, is managed by Quebec’s Ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire. Canada Economic Development administers the program on behalf of the Government of Canada.
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Source:
Johanne Levesque
Communications Advisor
Direction des communications
Ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire
514-873-6910
Information:
Christian Tanguay
Press Secretary
Office of the Vice-première ministre and ministre des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire
418-691-2050
Carole St-Yves
Political Attachée
Office of the MNA for Soulanges
450-456-3816
Stéphanie Desforges
Senior Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
514-492-1282
Catherine Vallée
Communications
Canada Economic Development
514-283-0368
