Montreal, Quebec, September 13, 2009 – The Minister of Public Works and Government Services, the Honourable Christian Paradis, and the Member of the National Assembly for Viau and Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministre des Finances, Emmanuel Dubourg, on behalf of the Ministre des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l'Occupation du territoire Laurent Lessard, are pleased to announce today a partnership between the governments of Canada and Quebec for construction of an indoor soccer centre near the Saint-Michel Environmental Complex in Montreal. The two governments have identified this large-scale project as a funding priority under the Large Urban Centres component of the Building Canada Fund–Quebec.
"Construction of this indoor soccer centre will enable Montreal-area soccer enthusiasts to indulge their passion in modern facilities, year-round," stated Minister Paradis. "Implementation of this project is proof positive that co-operation among municipalities, the Government of Canada and the Quebec government allows our communities to enjoy projects that bring people together in this time of economic uncertainty."
"By providing the means to leave infrastructure in good condition for future generations, the Government of Quebec unequivocally commits to intergenerational equity and sustainable development. As a case in point," added MNA Dubourg, "Quebec's substantial contribution announced today in Montreal will be used to build an indoor soccer centre, and this will have a significant impact on residents' quality of life, while encouraging the practice of sports. This additional major project is part of Quebec's infrastructure plan for the upgrading, renewal and maintenance of public infrastructure in Quebec."
The project provides for construction of a building with a surface area of approximately 12,000 square metres. This centre will comprise an indoor soccer field with tiered seating for close to 600 people, as well as administrative and service areas, including locker rooms, equipment storage and meeting rooms for employees and partners. The work also involves setting up a food services area and a sports equipment store.
The governments of Canada and Quebec could each contribute some $6.3 million, for total government assistance of up to $12.6 million. To this amount the City of Montreal will add $6.3 million to complete the tripartite funding allocated to this project.
These investments meet the commitments made by the two governments to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment, stimulate the economy, maintain stability and safeguard jobs despite the economic downturn.
For more information on infrastructure investments, please visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
For more information about Quebec's infrastructure plan, please visit http://infrastructures.gouv.qc.ca/nouvelles/index.asp (available in French only).
- 30 -
Sources:
Mary-Ann Dewey-Plante
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada
Tel.: 613-218-6961
Marie-Claude Lemire
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-283-2199
Sylvain Bourassa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
Tel.: 418-691-2050
