Kitchener, 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, further 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 Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, was on hand today to tour the Centre in the Square Rehabilitation project 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 Finley
In order to qualify for this extension, projects must have incurred eligible costs before March 31, 2011. This is the case of the Centre in the Square Rehabilitation project, which is receiving $400,000 in funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Centre in the Square is one of Canada's premiere multi-purpose live performing arts venues and is located in the heart of the Civic District in Kitchener. The City of Kitchener is rehabilitating sections of the theatre to modernize and extend the life of the facility. The proposed project will also create a new access road within property boundaries.
"The Government of Canada is confident that this extension will allow sufficient time for important projects to be completed," added Minister Finley. "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.
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
