Toronto, Ontario, November 8, 2011 – Federal and provincial representatives joined COSTI Immigrant Services board members and staff in Toronto today to celebrate the completion of major renovations to the COSTI Immigrant Services' Reception Centre, newly renamed the Ralph Chiodo Family Immigrant Reception Centre.
Approximately 1,000 refugees and homeless people pass through the centre each year, which provides temporary accommodation and settlement services to refugees. The upgrades improved resident rooms, the common kitchen, flooring, and plumbing. In addition, the electrical wiring was brought up to standard and new air conditioning units were installed throughout the building. This renovation project extends the life of the building, making it safer and more efficient for both residents and staff.
"Our government is proud to support COSTI,"
said Senator Don Meredith, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "This project is an excellent example of how Canada's Economic Action Plan has invested in communities and created jobs. I look forward to seeing the lasting benefits that these renovations will have as COSTI continues to provide valuable services for immigrants and refugees in Toronto."
"Our government is making targeted infrastructure investments to stimulate the economy, strengthen and support our communities,"
said the Honourable Charles Sousa, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. "The Government of Ontario is proud to have contributed to this priority project, which will enable COSTI to provide high-quality services and support to immigrants and refugees for years to come."
"In keeping with our Mission, we want to provide a safe, secure and comfortable start in Canada for people who have been traumatized by their experience"
, said Mario J. Calla, COSTI's Executive Director. "The newly renovated facility is comfortable, secure and a welcome change for refugees and more representative of the promise that is Canada."
The governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing one-third of total eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $1 million, toward the renovation work. COSTI Immigrant Services contributed the balance of the total project cost of $3 million.
COSTI's operations are funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the City of Toronto. The Centre provides temporary accommodation and initial settlement services to government assisted refugees and individuals referred by the City of Toronto's Hostel Services. The Reception Centre has been the first home in Canada for over 15,000 refugees since opening its doors 22 years ago.
Federal support for this project comes from the Government of Canada's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which has resulted in 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.infrastructure.gc.ca.
For further information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
To download a short broadcast-quality video highlighting a few of the many successful infrastructure projects across Canada, visit infrastructure.gc.ca/video/video-eng.html.
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit ontario.ca/infrastructure.
Contacts:
Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure
416-327-7226
Mary Cellucci
COSTI Immigrant Services
647-827-1291
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
