City of Greater Sudbury, Ontario, August 29, 2011 – Sudburians are celebrating major infrastructure improvements along Paris Street.
Renovations to Bell Park included upgrades to walkways, bike paths, the park entrance, parking facilities and park lighting. The Grace Hartman Amphitheatre also significantly benefitted from numerous structural and electrical improvements, including a new stage, amphitheatre, sound system and dressing room, as well as more accessible theatre seating.
Adjacent to Bell Park, Paris Street has been resurfaced to smooth and repair asphalt and to improve drainage systems, curbs, and sidewalks. The project has extended the lifespan of the heavily travelled route and enhanced safety for pedestrians and motorists alike.
“These projects demonstrate infrastructure spending at its best,” said the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities. “The improvements to Bell Park, Grace Hartman Amphitheatre, and Paris Street will offer tremendous benefits to residents of Greater Sudbury and our government is pleased to have been a part of these important projects.”
“The McGuinty government is proud to have contributed to these important infrastructure projects,” said the Honourable Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP for Sudbury. “The rejuvenated Bell Park and Grace Hartman Amphitheatre will enhance recreation and entertainment options in our fine city, and the refurbished section of Paris Street will safely and effectively shuttle residents to and from the park for years to come.”
“Today, we are not only recognizing the completion of the new Grace Hartman Amphitheatre, but we are also celebrating the success of its first season,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichuk. “The completion of this cherished landmark has been made possible, in large part, by the contributions of our federal and provincial governments and for this, we are truly grateful.”
The governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing up to $1.67 million toward the eligible project costs for Bell Park and up to $3.83 million toward the eligible project costs of the rehabilitation of Paris Street. The City of Greater Sudbury is contributing the balance of the combined eligible project costs of $16.5 million.
Federal funding for these projects comes from the Government of Canada’s Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which is providing funding to over 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country.
This project supports Building Together, Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province’s roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Since 2003, the Government of Ontario has created and supported 600,000 jobs and invested $62 billion in infrastructure. Through Building Together, Ontario will continue to make significant investments in public infrastructure, starting with an investment of more than $35 billion over the next three years.
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 Bartolucci
705-675-1914
Shannon Dowling, Corporate Communications
City of Greater Sudbury 705-674-4455, ext. 2539
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
