Roberval, Québec, 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 Quebec 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 Denis Lebel, Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), was on hand today to tour the development of the Lac St-Jean project in downtown Roberval, following the announcement of the extension by Prime Minister Harper on December 2.
"This is good news for the people of Québec. 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 Lebel.
" I'd like to point out the important contribution of Minister Lebel in this file. A few months ago, he committed himself to carry the message voiced by the municipalities and the economic players in Quebec to the fact that they needed a bit more time to finish the work they had started. I'd like to say that he has done this task very well. Minister Lebel has a lot to do about today's announcement," declared the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
In order to qualify for this extension, projects must have incurred eligible costs before March 31, 2011. This is the case of the development of Lac-St-Jean in downtown Roberval project, which is receiving up to $2,624,660 in funding under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The project involves the construction of a pedestrian and cycle path along the shore of Lac St-Jean, with tourist information, historical and general interest booths. It also includes the construction of a building to house rest rooms, food services and information services for users of the Des Bleuets cycle trail and for sailing enthusiasts.
"The Government of Canada is confident that this extension will allow sufficient time for important projects to be completed," added Minister Lebel. "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 of Quebec 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
