Vancouver, British Columbia, July 5, 2011 – Today, the Government of Canada and the City of Vancouver celebrated the completion of several infrastructure projects in Stanley Park, including the rehabilitation of the Stanley Park Seawall. The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver, and Aaron Jasper, Vancouver Park Board Chair were at Second Beach in Stanley Park to participate in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
“I am proud to be here today to celebrate the completion of these important projects that support the revitalization of Stanley Park,” said Minister Lebel. “Stanley Park is visited by nearly 8 million people – both tourists and residents - annually. These upgrades will ensure that it remains a vibrant and dynamic attraction for years to come.”
"Stanley Park is the green heart of Vancouver, but maintaining this urban paradise is expensive,” said Chair Jasper. “The federal government infrastructure funding was much appreciated and went towards upgrading important park services and features such as the iconic seawall. Residents and visitors to Stanley Park will enjoy the benefits for years to come."
“These improvements to Stanley Park demonstrate how effective a strong partnership between municipal and federal governments can be,” said Mayor Robertson. “Stanley Park is not only Vancouver’s first park but is recognized globally as one of the greatest parks in the world, attracting people year-round. Our investments will make Stanley Park an even better place for visitors and residents alike.”
The Government of Canada, under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, and the City of Vancouver contributed a total of just over $12 million toward the Stanley Park infrastructure improvements, including: the Stanley Park seawall rehabilitation, English Bay seawall improvements, Stanley Park road repaving, sewer pump station upgrades, Stanley Park pavilion and fieldhouse upgrades, and improvements to the Malkin Bowl performance theatre.
"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in important projects like the Seawall in Vancouver's Stanley Park," said Minister Moore. "Through our Economic Action Plan and projects such as these, we are delivering real results for communities across the country."
As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is supporting more than 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. Since March 2009, a total federal investment of over $500 million has been committed to more than 430 projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across British Columbia.
For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
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Contacts:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Joyce Courtney
Communications Manager
Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
604-257-8699
City of Vancouver
Corporate Communications
604-871-6336
media@vancouver.ca
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
The Government of Canada and the City of Vancouver have contributed just over $12 million toward six enhancements to public infrastructure in Stanley Park.
ENGLISH BAY SEAWALL IMPROVEMENTS
This project involved the repair and replacement of old masonry sections along the 340-metre section of the seawall between English Bay and Sunset Beach. These upgrades will provide protection from tides and storms, enhancing the travelling surface for pedestrians and cyclists. The Government of Canada is providing $1 million toward this project. The City of Vancouver is providing the remaining $2 million, for a total investment of $3 million.
STANLEY PARK SEAWALL REHABILITATION
This project involved the rehabilitation of the Stanley Park Seawall, including the replacement of the old masonry sections with a concrete foundation, and the repaving of the walking surface of the seawall between Lumberman’s Arch and Brockton Point. The seawall-level portion of the Brockton Point Lighthouse was also rebuilt. Work on an additional 470 metres of the seawall was completed, between the entrance to Stanley Park and Second Beach, to improve the structural integrity, surface, safety and aesthetics of the old section. The Government of Canada and the City of Vancouver are each providing $1.7 million toward this project, for a total investment of $3.4 million.
STANLEY PARK ROAD REPAVING
This project involved the repaving of a 1,800 metre stretch of roadway along Park Drive and Pipeline Road. The Government of Canada and the City of Vancouver are each providing $1.8 million toward this project, for a total investment of $3.6 million.
SEWER PUMP STATION UPGRADES
This project involved the replacement of four sewer lift stations at Second Beach, Lumberman’s Arch, Third Beach and Prospect Point. The Government of Canada and the City of Vancouver are each providing $500,000 toward this project, for a total investment of $1 million.
MALKIN BOWL PERFORMANCE CENTRE UPGRADES
This project involved the installation of a new stage door, improvement of the existing building envelope, the addition of insulation, renovation of the change rooms and washrooms, upgrades to the electrical system, and the addition of a new heating system. These upgrades will allow the facility to be used year round, creating much-needed additional rehearsal space for Vancouver. The Government of Canada is providing $355,000 toward this project. The City of Vancouver is providing $394,000 and the Theatre Under the Stars is providing $101,000, toward eligible costs of $850,000.
STANLEY PARK PAVILION AND FIELDHOUSE UPGRADES
This project involved the rehabilitation and renewal of the Stanley Park pavilion and the Chilco building, including the modernization of building amenities and provision of universal access. The Government of Canada and the City of Vancouver are each providing $195,000 toward this project, for a total investment of $390,000.
