SARNIA, ONTARIO, June 8, 2012 –Government representatives, board members, staff, volunteers and clients gathered today to enjoy the grand opening of the YMCA of Sarnia-Lambton’s new Leadership Challenge Centre—located within the newly renovated Learning and Career Centre.
“The YMCA of Sarnia-Lambton is a key organization that provides invaluable programs and services in our community,” said Pat Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “I am proud that our government invested in this project that will support jobs, learning and career development in this community for many years to come.”
“Our government is making strategic infrastructure investments to strengthen communities, build the economy and create jobs,” said the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation. “The new Leadership Challenge Centre will provide invaluable services and support to youth and the local community for years to come.”
“We are excited to offer this new leadership development opportunity to the people of Sarnia-Lambton, particularly our youth,” explained YMCA CEO Jim Janzen. “This centre was made possible thanks to the generous support of a number of local businesses, organizations and individuals, as well as the federal, provincial and county governments.”
“Once again the community of Sarnia-Lambton has come together under the leadership of the YMCA to invest in our young people and build a better tomorrow for everyone,” said Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley.
The new Leadership Challenge Centre was part of the YMCA’s Strengthening Community Campaign and provides a variety of outdoor leadership development programs for school groups, sports teams, community groups and corporations. It features high and low rope courses where teams work together to improve their communication and leadership skills and increase their self-confidence.
The Learning and Career Centre provides programs and services to more than 9,000 clients in Sarnia, including, at-risk youth, new Canadians, job seekers and members of the local community. Renovations to the Centre included significant improvements to the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system; upgrades to electrical, plumbing and fire systems; and the construction of barrier-free access points in and around the facility. These renovations enable the Centre to meet modern safety standards and provide clients, staff, and volunteers with a safe, better-equipped space and improved program delivery.
The governments of Canada and Ontario contributed just over $425,000 each toward eligible project costs through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The YMCA of Sarnia-Lambton contributed the balance of the total eligible project cost of $1.275 million. The YMCA’s community campaign raised $1.5 million to cover the costs of additional enhancements and renovations. The total project cost of this project was $2.8 million.
As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund supported more than 4,100 projects across the country, including over 2,000 key infrastructure projects in Ontario.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012 focuses on creating new opportunities for jobs and growth, and securing long-term prosperity for Canadians. Investing in public infrastructure is an important part of this strategy. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s leadership, and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 750,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. To learn more about the opportunities in Economic Action Plan 2012, visit www.budget.gc.ca.
This project also supports Building Together, the Government of 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, Ontario has invested approximately $75 billion in infrastructure. Building modern, efficient infrastructure has created or preserved close to 100,000 jobs each year, on average, makingOntario’s economy more productive and improving quality of life, now and in the future.
The “Y” is a charitable organization dedicated to serving our community through the development of all people in spirit, mind and body, regardless of their ability to pay. The “Y” reaches out to children and families throughout the community to provide opportunities they might otherwise never have. Through programs and services, the “Y” provides the recreational, learning and life-enriching experiences that build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
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For additional information about investments in infrastructure, visit infrastructure.gc.ca.
For further information about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information on how Ontariois revitalizing its infrastructure, visit ontario.ca/infrastructure.
Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Mike Walters
YMCA of Sarnia-Lambton
519-350-3206
mwalters@ymcaswo.ca
Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure
416-325-0781
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
