Montréal, Quebec, March 7, 2011 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, and Jean-Marc Fournier, Member of the National Assembly for Saint-Laurent., Minister of Justice and Quebec Government House Leader, acting on behalf of Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, take the opportunity of the unveiling of the architectural design for the future Saint-Laurent Sports Complex to recall the government contribution of $23,336,856 toward this major project. The governments of Canada and Quebec had identified this project as a funding priority under the Large Urban Centres Component of the Building Canada Fund – Quebec program.
This funding will be used to build the future Saint-Laurent Sports Complex, with a surface area of approximately 14,520 square metres. Located near the Émile-Legault Pavilion of Saint-Laurent Secondary School, the new sports complex will consist of several areas, including an indoor soccer field, a 25-metre swimming pool with a recreation wading pool for children and persons with reduced mobility, a single gymnasium and a gymnastics palestra and a multi-purpose room and a training room.
"The Government of Canada is delighted with the architectural design unveiled here today. "It marks a milestone in this large-scale project that will tangibly improve residents' quality of life," mentioned Minister of State Lebel.
"This financial support from the Government of Canada reflects our commitment to equipping municipalities with facilities that comply with the principles of sustainable development, added the Minister of State. "Quality infrastructure is a key element of any modern, wealth-building economy."
"Building the future Saint-Laurent Sports Complex near the Émile-Legault building will give us an opportunity to provide complementary services and create a major sports hub open to all, as well as to recreational and elite sports clubs. "In supporting this project, the Government of Quebec is moving forward to ensure the province's municipalities have infrastructure that meets their unique realities while fostering sustainable development. By injecting new capital into the Quebec Infrastructure Plan, our government is looking to accelerate the execution of numerous infrastructure projects throughout the province, like this one in Montréal, in an effort to improve Quebecers' well-being, create jobs and promote a high-performance economy. In this way, we are leaving the municipality a legacy of quality infrastructure with which to face the challenges of the future," added Minister Fournier.
"I offer my congratulations to the winning team. Creating a building entirely dedicated to sports is in itself a technical challenge. If, moreover, the building is being made to be an attractive venue, a landmark that fits in with the environment and is a focal point for community life, then that's the sign of a successful design. The sports complex is sure to be an exceptional new gathering place and forum for the citizens of Saint-Laurent," said Minister Christine St-Pierre.
Saint-Laurent Borough has a population of 86,500 and its current sports facilities are insufficient. The future sports complex will promote physical activity among students and all Saint-Laurent residents, while building a sense of community.
The governments of Canada and Quebec are each contributing $11,668,428 toward the project, for a total of $23,336,856 in government assistance. To this amount, the City of Montréal is adding $11,668,427, for a total three-way investment of $35,005,283.
The funding from the governments of Canada and Quebec are part of their shared commitment to provide economic stimulus, ensure that Quebec municipalities have quality infrastructure and create jobs despite the economic downturn.
The Large Urban Centres Component of the Building Canada Fund -- Quebec is a cost-sharing initiative to finance infrastructure projects in Quebec municipalities of 100,000 inhabitants or more. These communities can use this financial assistance to revitalize such public infrastructure as water treatment plants, water supply systems and cultural and sports centres.
For further details on the Building Canada Fund – Quebec or the process for submitting a funding application, see www.buildingcanada.gc.ca and www.mamrot.gouv.qc.ca.
For more information on the Quebec Infrastructure Plan, visit http://infrastructures.gouv.qc.ca/nouvelles/.
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Sources:
Benoît Fortin
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-997-3319
Marie-Claude Lemire
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-283-0306
Stéphanie Cotnoir
Communications Officer
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions
and Land Occupancy
Tel.: 418-691-2050
or
Louise Lemay
Political Advisor
Office of the MNA for Saint-Laurent
Tel.: 514-747-4050
Caroline St-Pierre
Communications Branch
Department of Municipal Affairs, Regions
and Land Occupancy
Tel.: 418-691-2015
