Maniwaki, Quebec, December 17, 2011 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today joined Stéphanie Vallée, Member of the Quebec National Assembly for Gatineau and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier of Quebec, acting on behalf of Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, in welcoming the opening of Maniwaki’s multipurpose curling centre, a project toward which the municipality received $1,076,200 in joint government funding under the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund – Quebec.
“The Government of Canada hails the opening of this new curling centre in Maniwaki, as it will provide the City with a modern sports facility where residents can enjoy their sports activities in a healthy and safe environment,”
said Minister Lebel.
“I am proud to be here today for the opening of Maniwaki’s brand new multipurpose curling centre. Our government’s support in making this important project a reality for the City of Maniwaki and the region demonstrates our commitment to ensure that the province’s municipalities have infrastructure suited to their unique realities, while supporting sustainable development. This new sports facility will improve both the population’s quality of life and Maniwaki’s community infrastructure. Whether an experienced player or new to the sport, curling is simple, flexible, affordable and in tune with our contemporary lifestyle. Our government wants the public to rermain active and make the most of this new facility,”
said MNA Stéphanie Vallée.
This investment went toward the construction of a multipurpose curling centre in Maniwaki. The new 830 square metre centre comprises two curling rinks as well as a reception and service pavilion including a locker room, a kitchenette and other services. The project also involved outdoor work which included a 44-space parking lot, landscaping, beautifying the grounds and various other complementary work. This new curling centre enhances the recreational infrastructure offering, helping to retain local curlers while providing a venue for summer activities such as ball hockey, badminton and volleyball. Maniwaki’s new multipurpose curling centre will now benefit some 4,000 residents and various curling leagues in the region.
Completion of this project necessitated an overall eligible investment of $1,614,300. The governments of Quebec and Canada each contributed $538,100 toward the work, for a total of $1,076,200 in combined government funding, while the City of Maniwaki invested the remaining third, or $538,100, of the project’s costs.
The Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund – Quebec is a cost-sharing initiative aimed at funding infrastructure projects in communities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. These communities are thus able to use this assistance to improve infrastructure that is in major need of revitalization, including water treatment plants, water supply systems and cultural and sports centres.
The contribution from the Government of Canada has been awarded through Canada’s Economic Action Plan. To learn more about this plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For further information on the Government of Quebec’s Quebec Infrastructure Plan, see www.infrastructures.gouv.qc.ca
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Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
514-496-1282
pierre.florea@tc.gc.ca
Julie Boivin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy
418-691-2050
Luce Farrell
Political Assistant
Office of the MNA for Gatineau
819-441-2626
Caroline St-Pierre
Communications Directorate
Department of Municipal Affairs,
Regions and Land Occupancy
418-691-2015
