Tring-Jonction, Quebec, December 2, 2011 – The Municipality of Tring-Jonction and the Rail Station Revitalization Committee officially opened the completely restored railway station at a ceremony attended by many dignitaries and partners. The event marked the completion of a major $1.3-million project to restore and enhance this heritage building and set up a new library and exhibition rooms.
"I am very proud to showcase this great project that was completed through Canada's Economic Action Plan,"
said the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism). "Our government's top priority is completing the economic recovery, and investing in community infrastructure is a cornerstone of this priority. Projects like this create jobs for Canadians and establish the foundation for a bright and prosperous economic future in Canada."
"I would like to thank the Rail Station Revitalization Committee, as well as municipal officials from Tring-Jonction and Saint-Jules, who worked around the clock to transform Tring-Jonction's former rail station into a cultural home for the community. The successful completion of this project is something we can all be proud of because the former station is revealing itself as a privileged location to promote democratic access to reading and culture,"
said Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy and Member of the National Assembly for Frontenac, on behalf of Christine St-Pierre, Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women.
A new role
In addition to bringing new life to the village of Tring-Jonction, the former railway station is taking on new roles, in line with the needs of the community. Citizens of Tring-Jonction and its neighbour, Saint- Jules, will now have access to a municipal library. With 5,000 books and a range of cultural programs, the station provides local services which improve residents' quality of life. "In addition to responding to a need expressed by citizens, this important project revitalizes and personalizes the Municipality of Tring-Jonction,"
added His Worship Mario Groleau, Mayor of Tring-Jonction.
A variety of exhibition rooms have been set up, in addition to the municipal library, to display items from the building's former life, including a ticket counter, a telegraph and so forth. Other exhibition rooms will allow the talents of artists from the municipality and the entire region to be showcased.
Local and regional spinoff
The opening of the new Tring-Jonction railway station provides the municipality, the Robert-Cliche RCM and the entire Beauce region with an unbelievable socio-economic development opportunity. The authenticity of the building will certainly attract visitors from throughout the region. A project such as this cannot help but create feelings of belonging and pride in the region.
Many financial partners
A project of this size requires the financial participation of many partners.
The Government of Canada's contribution of a maximum of $267,200 comes from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which supported more than 4,100 projects across Canada. The Government of Canada committed over $900 million from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to more than 900 projects in communities across the Province of Quebec. Although the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is now complete, the economic benefits of these projects will last for years to come.
The Government of Quebec's contribution of $774,000, was made under the Plan québécois des infrastructures, which was enhanced in January 2009 and now has an envelope of more than $44.56 billion for 2010-2015, to upgrade, renew and maintain public infrastructure in Quebec.
The Municipality of Tring-Jonction contributed over $150,000. The Robert-Cliche RCM provided $55,000 under the Fonds du Pacte rural. Lastly, the Beauce Centre Caisses Desjardins provided $50,000 in financial support for the project. All the partners congratulate the Municipality of Tring-Jonction and the revitalization committee for their initiative and perseverance in carrying out this important project.
A heritage jewel
The Tring-Jonction railway station was built in 1914 and will soon reach the century mark. In 2004, it was designated an historic monument under Quebec's Cultural Property Act. The building is of special historical significance because of its architecture and the role it played in the development of the municipality.
In addition to safeguarding the building, the renovations were carried out with great attention to detail, so as to preserve the architectural features of the building and various original materials and components.
The Tring-Jonction railway station is now open to the public. Additional information can be obtained by calling 418-426-1500.
Additional information
For more information about investment in infrastructure, visit the following Web sites: infrastructure.gc.ca and infrastructures.gouv.qc.ca.
For more details about Canada's Economic Action Plan, go to actionplan.gc.ca
Contacts:
Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Valérie Rodrigue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women
418-380-2310
Mario Gorleau
Mayor
Municipality of Tring-Jonction
418-426-2497
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
1-877-250-7154 (toll-free)
