June 24, 2010
Westlock County, Alberta
The Honourable Ralph Klein, Honorary Chair of the Kids Can Katch program; Minister of State Lynne Yelich; Ted Morton, Alberta Minister of Finance and Enterprise; and Lloyd Horn, President of the Bow Habitat Station Volunteer Society.
Brian Storseth, Member of Parliament for Westlock – St. Paul, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced Government of Canada support for the Hazel Bluff Community Agricultural Society to construct a new community hall in Westlock County.
"Our Government's investment in the Hazel Bluff Community Hall is creating both short and long-term employment while enhancing opportunities for local businesses in the region,
" said MP Storseth.
Funding supports the construction of a new community hall with features such as sound and presentation systems and a commercial grade kitchen. The new facility will further enhance the appeal of the site, which includes existing recreational and camping space, and better accommodate the growing needs of surrounding communities.
"The new community centre will provide a place for families and residents from Westlock and beyond to gather and form lasting friendships and community ties,
" said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. "Strong communities ensure an enhanced quality of life for Albertans and I want to thank everyone involved in this project for their hard work and commitment.
"
The project is creating immediate jobs through construction activity and, upon completion, will result in the need for full-time maintenance and management staff. Local businesses also stand to benefit from the expected increase in visitors, while the commercial grade kitchen may help generate new opportunities for start-up catering companies in the area.
Federal funding of $365,000 is being provided through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Province of Alberta is also contributing $125,000 through the Community Facility Enhancement Program and more than $8,000 over two years through the Community Spirit Program,, while Westlock County is providing $40,000 towards project costs.
"The old Hazel Bluff Community Centre has served a distinct and notable purpose in the area for generations,
" said Lorna Saunders, Secretary of the Hazel Bluff Community Agricultural Society. "Our committee is very pleased to receive Government of Canada support to help rebuild our hall and continue the vision, drive, and community spirit of the pioneers who first built the facility in 1932. It is our goal that it will serve the community well for many more generations.
"
CAF supports the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on resource-based industries. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the fund in the four western provinces.
Visit the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in the West or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
FOR BROADCAST USE
Funding from all orders of government is supporting construction of a new community hall in Westlock County. The new Hazel Bluff Community Hall facility will replace the existing 77-year-old structure and includes features such as sound and presentation systems and a commercial grade kitchen. Constructing the hall is creating immediate employment and generating business opportunities for local companies. The Government of Canada is investing $365,000 towards this project under the Community Adjustment Fund.
For more information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Parker Hogan
Director, Communications
Alberta Culture and Community Spirit
Tel: (780) 427-6530
Lorna Saunders
Secretary of the Hazel Bluff Community Agricultural Society
Tel: (780) 349-2589
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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