Sainte-Claire, Quebec, August 21, 2009 – Acting on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, Steven Blaney, Member of Parliament for Lévis, Bellechasse and Les Etchemins, today joined Dominique Vien, Ministre des Services gouvernementaux and Member of the Quebec National Assembly for Bellechasse, acting on behalf of Laurent Lessard, Ministre des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l'Occupation du territoire , in announcing that the municipality of Sainte-Claire will receive $158,142 in joint government financial assistance under the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund – Quebec for the development of a recreational park.
This work will include the laying of a 4,000 square-foot parking lot as well as community gardens, footpaths and sidewalks, the construction of a reception pavilion with restrooms, a main pavilion and pergolas and the installation of drinking fountains, discovery panels, street furniture and lawns. Part of the global development plan for the Etchemin River, this park will be accessible to persons with reduced mobility, thereby ensuring all citizens are able to benefit from a choice recreational site in the heart of the municipality.
“This community park in Sainte-Claire will be a new gathering place for the municipality's 3,000 some residents and will help further the socioeconomic vitality of the Chaudière-Appalaches region. This funding from the Government of Canada therefore promises to benefit the local and regional population alike. Our communities have to be able to count on top-quality public infrastructure to ensure their growth and development and rise to the unique challenges they are facing. This project in the municipality of Sainte-Claire is yet another example of how the concerted actions of our municipalities and the governments of Quebec and Canada lead to concrete results,” noted Steven Blaney.
Completion of this project will necessitate an overall investment of $237,212. The governments of Quebec and Canada will each contribute $79,071 toward the work, for a total of $158,142 in combined government funding, while the municipality of Sainte-Claire will itself invest $79,070 in the project.
“Today's announcement is consistent with the ongoing development of the Cycloroute de Bellechasse . This new park will help improve the quality of life of Sainte-Claire residents and is sure to become a major draw for seniors making their home in the Manoir de la Rive Claire and for young families settling in the area. Providing citizens with a site that is conducive to physical activity and leisure in a picturesque setting is one way to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle. I am proud of the Government of Quebec's association with this initiative,” added Minister Vien.
The Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund – Quebec is a cost-sharing initiative aimed at funding the execution of infrastructure projects in communities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. These communities are thus able to use this assistance to improve infrastructure that is in major need of revitalization, including water treatment plants, water supply systems and cultural and sports centres.
An unprecedented funding commitment on the part of the Government of Canada, the Building Canada Fund – Quebec provides stable and predictable funding to support infrastructure projects. In Quebec, nearly $4 billion will be allocated to that end.
For further details on the Building Canada Fund – Quebec or the process for submitting a funding application, see www.buildingcanada-chantierscanada.gc.ca and www.mamrot.gouv.qc.ca/ .
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Sources:
Stéphanie Desforges
Senior Special Assistant
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-496-1282
stephanie.desforges@dec-ced.gc.ca
Lyne Montpellier
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 1-800-567-8637
lyne.montpellier@dec-ced.gc.ca
Sylvain Bourassa
Press Secretary
Office of the Ministre des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l'Occupation du territoire
Tel.: 418-691-2050
Marie-Ève Doyon
Press Secretary
Office of the Ministre des Services gouvernementaux
Tel. : 418-528-0177
Communications Branch
Ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l'Occupation du territoire
Tel.: 514-873-6910
