Kirkland, Quebec, April 23, 2010 – The Honourable Senator Judith Seidman, acting on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today joined Yolande James, Member of the Quebec National Assembly for Nelligan, and Geoffrey Kelley, Member of the National Assembly for Jacques-Cartier, acting on behalf of Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, in announcing that the City of Kirkland will receive $2,048,936 in joint government financial assistance under the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund – Quebec to renovate its municipal library.
The project primarily involves refurbishing the library interiors and enlarging the entrance hall, and part of the basement for additional storage space. An elevator will also be added to improve access for persons with reduced mobility. Since the library offers citizens a variety of activities, it is essential that the building be safe, comfortable and meet current needs.
“The project to renovate Kirkland’s municipal library will benefit all residents and businesses in the region. In supporting these improvements, we are seeing to it that the population enjoys the high quality of life for which our country is famous. Indeed, the Government of Canada is committed to equipping every community with modern facilities and equipment to ensure citizens’ health and safety. The renewal of public infrastructure is part of a broad action plan that will enable us to thrive and prosper in a healthy environment,” said Senator Seidman.
“The Government of Quebec has chosen to participate in the growth and development of communities by investing in public infrastructure in order to improve Quebecers’ quality of life. Education being a top priority, the renovation of Kirkland’s municipal library will enable citizens of all ages to enjoy modern facilities and new and improved services tailored to their needs,” added Minister Yolande James and MNA Geoffrey Kelley.
Completion of this project will necessitate an overall eligible investment of $3,073,403. The governments of Quebec and Canada will each contribute $1,024,468 toward the work, for a total of $2,048,936 in combined government funding, with the City of Kirkland assuming the remaining third, or $1,024,467, of the project’s costs.
“This investment will enable the City of Kirkland to broaden the range of services its library offers the local population for generations to come. Among the improvements citizens can expect are a new reading and activity area for teenagers, more spacious areas, brightened with a mural of children’s tales, for our younger readers, an elevator making the building accessible to everyone, and a completely redesigned section for our adult clientele,” explained Mayor John Meaney.
The Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund – Quebec is a cost-sharing initiative aimed at funding 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.
For provinces, like Quebec, that have committed all of their funding under the Communities Component, the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides for up to $500 million in additional funding for projects that will be completed by March 31, 2011.
In Quebec, a joint federal-provincial contribution of $232 million will be used to fund 106 infrastructure projects.
The contribution from the Government of Canada has been awarded through Canada’s Economic Action Plan. To learn more about this plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For further information on the Government of Quebec’s Quebec Infrastructure Plan, see www.infrastructures.gouv.qc.ca.
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Sources:
Simon Bachand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel : 613-996-6236
Louise Lemay
Head of the Constituency
Office of Nelliga
Tel.: 514-428-8747
Joanne Casey
Division Chief, Communications
City of Kirkland
Tel.: 514-630-2724
Nicole Lascelle
Head of the Constituency
Office of Jacques-Cartier
Tel.: 514-697-7663
