Chatsworth, Ontario, December 3, 2010 – Along with the governments of Canada and Ontario, the Township of Chatsworth celebrated the grand re-opening of the Williamsford Community Centre today.
Renovations have significantly extended the facility's lifespan by addressing numerous health and safety issues. Accessibility retrofits and the expansion of the building's community hall and curling rink have ensured that more community members can access the many events and activities held at the centre.
"This important building is very special to the residents who use it regularly," said Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "Improving this community centre means that more people will be able to enjoy the many activities it offers. The new ice surfaces also help promote physical activity, which contributes to the quality of life of the community."
"The infrastructure projects we are supporting through our Open Ontario Plan are revitalizing communities across the province" said the Honourable Carol Mitchell, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "This beautifully renovated facility will support recreation and community involvement in Chatsworth for years to come."
"This project would not have been possible without the infrastructure funding from both the federal and provincial governments and the financial commitment by the local community," said Bob Pringle, Mayor of the Township of Chatsworth. "This new centre is a tribute to the hard working people of this community."
The governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing $250,000 toward this project through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund program. The Township of Chatsworth contributed the balance of the total eligible project cost of $750,000.
As part of the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding to close to 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country. In Ontario alone, Infrastructure Canada has committed close to $1.5 billion toward over 1,900 projects across the province.
The contribution from the Province of Ontario comes from its 2009 provincial budget that is supporting more than 300,000 jobs and strengthening Ontario's economy.
Since 2007, the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed more than $13 billion in funding to over 6,400 infrastructure projects across the province.
On December 2, 2010, the Government of Canada announced it is extending the construction deadline for a number of Economic Action Plan infrastructure projects. 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.
For information about investments in infrastructure, visit
www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit
www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit www.ontario.ca/infrastructure.
Contacts:
Office of MP Miller
519-371-1059
Office of Minister Mitchell
416-326-3861
Will Moore, CAO-Clerk
Township of Chatsworth
519-794-3232
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
