September 08, 2009
Medicine Hat, Alberta
LaVar Payne, Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced Government of Canada support to help the Friends of Medalta Society strengthen economic opportunities in Medicine Hat.
“Our Government, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is proud to invest in the Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic Site, and position it as a source of new growth for local residents and businesses,” said MP Payne. “Together, we’re creating immediate jobs and building the foundation for our future economic growth.”
Federal funding of more than $3 million is being provided through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Government of Alberta is providing $892,603 through the Major Communities Facilities Grant and the City of Medicine Hat is contributing $300,000 to this project.
“This reconstruction project, when completed, will be another enhancement for arts and culture in the region,” said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. “We are building on the past to create an exciting future in Medicine Hat.”
"The clay industry has a proud history and heritage in Medicine Hat,” said Norm Boucher, Mayor of the City of Medicine Hat. “City Council has always believed that Medalta created life in our city and we remain committed to ensuring that all visitors and citizens recognize this rebirth."
The Friends of Medalta Society will use project funding to reconstruct a portion of Building 7, which will serve as a permanent major events gallery, collectors' gallery, and outdoor events plaza in the Medalta Potteries National Historic Site. The funding will also allow for interior construction in Building 13 to provide visitors with a reception area, a gift shop, and a travelling exhibit gallery. Construction work required to upgrade the Medalta Potteries National Historic Site will create jobs for local workers while the enhancements to the facility are expected to assist in attracting more visitors to Medicine Hat.
"We are pleased to partner with different levels of government to continue to preserve this important part of our history while serving our community through the creation of jobs," said Barry Finkelman, Executive Director and General Manager for the Historic Clay District. "This phase of the Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District restoration will allow us to complete two more of the buildings on the Medalta Potteries National Historic Site and improve our visitor services, which will have a positive impact on tourism in the region."
A part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) is a two-year, $1 billion national program that will provide an economic stimulus by supporting projects that create jobs and maintain employment in rural communities.
The fund will provide $306 million over two years to support the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on resource-based industries, for instance forestry, mining, agriculture and fisheries, and communities that depend on the manufacturing industry.
Visit the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in the West or Canada’s Economic Action Plan for more information.
For more information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Jody Lamb
Corporate Communications Manager
City of Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat, Alberta
Tel: (403) 502-8071
Beryl Cullum
Communications
Alberta Culture and Community Spirit
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 427-6530
Quentin Randall
Marketing & Fundraising Coordinator
Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District
Medicine Hat, Alberta
Tel: (403) 529-1070
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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