Brampton, Ontario, December 3, 2010 - The Government of Canada is extending the construction deadline for a number of Economic Action Plan infrastructure projects. This extension will allow projects to be completed with federal funding, benefitting Ontario communities. Proponents of projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Building Canada Fund Communities Component Top-Up, the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program will now have until October 31, 2011 to complete their projects.
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour, was on hand today to tour the Brampton Social Services Centre site following the announcement of the extension by Prime Minister Harper on December 2.
"This is good news for the people of Ontario. While the vast majority of these infrastructure projects are expected to be completed by March 31, 2011, I know that some proponents will appreciate the extra time to put the finishing touches to their project," said Minister Raitt.
In order to qualify for this extension, projects must have incurred eligible costs before March 31, 2011. This is the case for the Brampton Social Services Centre, which is receiving up to $2.2 million in federal funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The new Brampton Social Services Centre will provide a one-stop central location for individuals, couples and families who are in need of counseling or support services. The centre will be home to a variety of public and non-profit agencies.
"The Government of Canada is confident that this extension will allow sufficient time for important projects to be completed" added Minister Raitt. "By extending the deadline, we don't want to penalize communities that delivered their projects on time, and that is why there are important conditions to the extension."
Since July 2009, more than 420,000 jobs have been created or maintained across Canada and about 23,000 projects are underway or completed. The Government has provided $16 billion to modernize public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water, parks, transit and recreational facilities.
Since 2007, the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed over $13 billion in funding to more than 6,400 infrastructure projects across the province. It is estimated that this extension will benefit selected projects across Ontario that have been adversely impacted by issues like poor weather conditions, as well as normal delays in building infrastructure projects.
This is a one-time extension to October 31, 2011. The Government of Canada will not share in any costs after this date, and proponents will be required to complete projects at their own expense. While providing flexibility, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the stimulus program is completed in a timely fashion, and Canada returns to balanced budgets in a timely manner.
Canada's Economic Action Plan provides close to $16 billion to modernize a broad range of infrastructure including roads, bridges, public transit, parks and water treatment facilities, and to support home ownership, help stimulate the housing sector and improve housing across Canada.
For further information contact:
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
