Waterloo, Ontario, October 22, 2011 — Federal and municipal representatives gathered today to celebrate the completion of the John M. Harper Branch Library and Stork Family YMCA facility.
The library portion of the facility is named after John M. Harper, a long-time community builder in the City ofWaterlooand dedicated volunteer. With 21,000 square feet of library space, this modern branch features technology-based services including self-checkout kiosks, wireless internet, e-books, digital reference, and a state of the art automated sorter for returned library material. It contains a children’s program room and community meeting room with an adjoining open-air courtyard, private study rooms and quiet spaces with comfortable chairs for reading.
The Stork Family YMCA is named in recognition of a generous gift from the YMCA board president and businessperson, Mike Stork and his family. This new facility boasts a completely accessible four-lane swimming pool, complete with a chairlift and ramp, a walking/running ramp and a group fitness and weight-training area.
“In addition to creating a welcoming environment for studying and reading, this new facility will also have a significant impact on the health and wellness of local residents, young and old,” said Peter Braid, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Waterloo, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Our Government recognizes the importance of Stork Family YMCA and John M. Harper Branch Library toWaterlooand is proud of its contribution to this project.”
“I couldn’t be happier to open this new facility. I know the community will enjoy the easy access to this unique combination of a family-oriented library as well as fitness centre,” said Brenda Halloran, Mayor of the City ofWaterloo. “This facility is an example of what can be accomplished when community groups and the various levels of government work together towards a shared goal.”
This contemporary building is aiming to receive silver level certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)Canadaprogram. LEED is a point-based, third-party verified rating system for buildings that design and construct to environmentally-best practices. Environmental features of this facility include a number of energy efficient components including a green roof, motion-controlled lighting, low-flow water-efficient plumbing, and strategically placed windows that provide natural light to the heart of the building.
The Government of Canada contributed $4.1 million to this $22.3 million project through the federal Gas Tax Fund. The City ofWaterlooprovided $9.5 million. The YMCA contributed $8.2 million and Waterloo Public Library contributed $530,000 through library donations.
“The federal Gas Tax Fund acknowledges that all orders of government must work together to address the pressing need for infrastructure investment in our municipalities,” said Gary McNamara, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). “Stable and predictable, the Gas Tax Fund is supporting long-term investment in local priority projects right acrossOntario.”
The federal Gas Tax Fund provides municipalities with an ongoing source of funding for environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure. Funding is also available for planning projects that contribute to the sustainability of communities and regions. The Government of Canada, through the Gas Tax Fund, provides $746 million in funding annually for municipal infrastructure inOntario. On October 4, 2011, the Government of Canada tabled legislation that will make the Gas Tax Fund a permanent annual investment of $2 billion. Between 2010 and 2014, the City ofWaterloowill receive over $11.9 million from the Government of Canada’s Gas Tax Fund.
For additional information:
Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Janice Works
City ofWaterloo
519-747-8731
TTY 1-866-786-3941
janice.works@waterloo.ca
InfrastructureCanada
613-948-1148 OR Toll-Free 1-877-250-7154
