London, Ontario, June 13, 2011 – The City of London has officially unveiled the new and improved Piccadilly Park, which was supported by all three levels of government through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
The park now features a new urban promenade and terrace, new pathways and entranceways, an upgraded playground, additional trees, seating, and landscaping. These improvements have helped make Piccadilly Park a safer, more attractive recreation destination for area residents and visitors alike.
“This beautiful neighbourhood park provides a green refuge in the core of London for members of the community and visitors,” said Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament for London-North-Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Thanks to Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the upgrades we are celebrating today will improve the conditions of the park’s amenities, ensuring that it remains a safe, vibrant venue for all those who enjoy it.”
“I’m pleased that our government is investing in enhancing parks in our community through our Open Ontario Plan,” said the Honourable Deb Matthews, MPP for London North Centre. “These improvements to Piccadilly Park will mean a lot to children and families who enjoy it.”
Mayor Fontana is pleased with what the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund has helped to create. He said, “The community wanted and needed this park to be a vibrant and energetic green space. They rallied and supported the initiative and the City partnered with the federal and provincial governments to make it happen. This will be a people place in the heart of the neighbourhood and a sparkling example of what good partnerships can create.”
The governments of Canada and Ontario each committed $116,667 toward this project through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The City of London is contributing the remaining funding. The total eligible cost of this project is $350,000.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is providing funding to over 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country, and is delivered by Infrastructure Canada.
Over the last couple of months, Ontario had an increase of 38,000 jobs and the unemployment rate declined to 7.9 per cent.
For additional information about investments in infrastructure, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
For further information about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit ontario.ca/infrastructure.
Contacts:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Office of MPP Matthews
519-432-7339
Tara Thomas
City of London
519-661-2500 ext 7326
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148 OR Toll-Free 1-877-250-7154
