Today, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for Manson’s Hall on Cortes Island under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
"Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our communities,
" said Minister Duncan. "By improving facilities such as this, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians.
"
Federal funding of $47,500 for the Southern Cortes Community Association (SCCA) will reconfigure the main entryway to Manson’s Hall with a covered patio of paving stones, a new concrete walkway, bench seating and bicycle racks. Additional upgrades will include structural reinforcing of flooring and repairs to ramps and handrails for greater accessibility. Improvements will help the facility better host a variety of community gatherings, programs and activities.
"We are excited by this opportunity to make much needed improvements to our 32-year-old community centre which is in use daily,
" said President John Sprungman on behalf of the SCCA Board of Directors. "We have many talented builders on Cortes Island whose families will benefit from the employment this grant will create. The result will be a more attractive and functional facility and will showcase the skills of those who work on the project.
"
CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the Fund in Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years.
Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
