July 21, 2011
Vancouver, British Columbia
Corresponding Document: Photo Gallery
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification (WD), capped off a comprehensive visit to Metro Vancouver on Wednesday.
“Occasions like this provide us with a valuable opportunity to witness the excellent work the Government of Canada is doing to help the lives of Canadians,” said Minister Yelich. “WD continues to support economic development opportunities that ensure a prosperous future for our residents, businesses and organizations.”
While in the region, the Minister attended a number of events, ranging from Economic Action Plan tours, to meetings with up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
In New Westminster, Minister Yelich met with Mayor Wayne Wright at the future Pier Park site. Currently under construction, the waterfront park is set to be completed in 2012, and will serve as a key economic attraction for the downtown core. The Governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with the city, funded the project through the Building Canada Fund – Communities Component.
The tour was followed by a quick stop at the Youth Centre @ Moody Park, one of Canada’s first intergenerational centres for seniors and youth. The Minister had a chance to speak with members and staff about how the centre has become a valuable recreational asset to the community.
In Downtown Vancouver, Minister Yelich dropped by Wavefront’s newly expanded Acceleration Centre. Previously funded by WD, Wavefront provides on-site access to a suite of commercialization services aimed at getting wireless companies to market faster. The now 14,000 ft2 space is home to emerging companies such as ReFlex and RewardLoop, and since receiving WD’s investment has connected more than 250 small-to-medium sized enterprises with global wireless opportunities.
The day’s activities were finished off with a celebration, thanks to several hundred people who attended the official grand-opening of Norquay Park, on Vancouver’s East Side. The complete revitalization of the park was a joint funding partnership between WD and the City of Vancouver. Minister Yelich was joined by Deputy Mayor Heather Deal, Parks Chair Aaron Jasper, and several other community dignitaries for the official ribbon-cutting.
Norquay Park, along with the Youth Centre, are just two examples of the many successful projects funded through the Economic Action Plan that have created both short-term employment, and long-term community legacies.
Minister Yelich will be visiting other communities across the West this summer to make important announcements and see firsthand how WD is making a difference before her return to Ottawa when Parliament resumes in the fall.
For additional information contact:
Jerra Byrne
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Jerra.Byrne@wd-deo.gc.ca
