London, Ontario, August 6, 2011 – Representatives from the governments of Canada and Ontario joined the City of London today to celebrate the recent expansion and modernization of the popular Byron Optimist Community Centre.
Building renovations included upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, the addition of new programming space, and accessibility features. These improvements will ensure that the community centre can better meet the growing needs of local residents, sports teams, and community groups who use the facility each day.
“Community centres are vital to the health and well-being of our neighbourhoods,” said Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “They provide a welcome location for families to gather and engage in a variety of activities. Our government recognizes the importance of the Byron Optimist Community Centre to the people of London and is proud of its contribution to this project.”
“The McGuinty Government is proud to support this project, which is helping us provide our families with athletic, learning and development opportunities,” said the Honourable Chris Bentley, Member of Provincial Parliament for London—West. “I’m certain that this beautifully renovated facility will serve as a dynamic community hub for years to come.”
Mayor Fontana has always believed in and championed multi-level government partnerships. He says, "The transformation and improvements we see today in the Byron Optimist Community Centre will directly touch the lives of thousands of Londoners. By working together we have improved the space and made certain the doors are open to everyone and this is exactly what our citizens expect and deserve. Governments must be constantly seeking ways to benefit citizens and what better way than delivering a community gathering place - a place of inclusion, friendship and fun."
The governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing one third of the total eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $432,000. The City of London is contributing the remaining funding for the $1.3 million project. Further enhancements to this facility were made possible through additional contributions from the City of London ($471,000) and the Byron Optimists Club ($10,000).
Federal funding for this project comes from the Government of Canada’s Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which is supporting over 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country.
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 Bentley
519-857-3120
Rob Paynter
Manager of Corporate Communications
City of London
519-854-2873
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Or Toll-Free 1-877-250-7154
