Surrey City Centre Library will now have until October 2011 for completion
Surrey, British Columbia, 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, further benefitting British Columbia 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 Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, was on hand today to tour the site of the new Surrey City Centre Library following the announcement of the extension by Prime Minister Harper on December 2.
"This is good news for the people of British Columbia. 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 Day.
In order to qualify for this extension, projects must have incurred eligible costs before March 31, 2011. This is the case for the Surrey City Centre Library, which is receiving $10 million in funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. Located in the heart of Surrey, the City Centre Library is a new 77,000 square foot building proposed to enhance the Civic Centre which will include the new Surrey City Hall.
"The Government of Canada is confident that this extension will allow sufficient time for important projects to be completed," added Minister Day. "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."
"The federal government has been an important partner as we create the municipal infrastructure required to support the rapid growth of our city and region," says Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. "The deadline extension will ensure that communities across Canada will be able to put every stimulus dollar to work to create jobs and economic investment."
"This announcement is really about keeping jobs and building some momentum in the economy," said John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. "This move will give many sectors an opportunity to generate growth which they may otherwise have lost."
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.
It is estimated that this extension will benefit selected projects across the province that have been adversely impacted by issues such as 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
