Today, Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster and Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding to upgrade the Meota baseball diamonds under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
"Our Government is committed to building stronger communities across Canada by investing in necessary infrastructure,
" said Minister Ritz. "This project will create jobs and allow the people of Meota to enjoy these ball diamonds for years to come.
"
With $5,150 in federal funding, the Village of Meota will install 80 feet of new fencing to enclose the two ball diamonds adjacent to the regional park and repair the playing surface. These improvements will create a safer environment for users and spectators, as well as pedestrians and campers in the nearby park.
"I am pleased to accept federal funding to upgrade our ball diamonds in the Village of Meota,
" said Mayor John R. MacDonald. "These diamonds have a long history in Meota and this funding will allow continued use and benefit for the entire community.
"
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.
For more information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-975-5942
Email: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca
Jacqui Code
Administrator
Village of Meota
Meota, Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-892-2277
Email: vmeota@sasktel.net
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), the Harper Government has committed to supporting communities and creating jobs through repairs and improvements to existing community facilities over the next two years. The Fund is being delivered by the regional development agencies across Canada. In Western Canada, Western Economic Diversification is delivering over $46 million towards eligible projects.
The construction of new infrastructure and repairs to facilities that are primarily for commercial or for-profit activities are ineligible. Facilities must be accessible for use by the public and not limited to a private membership. All projects are required to be completed by March 31, 2014.
Organizations eligible to apply for funding under CIIF include:
- local or regional governments or related agencies;
- provincial entities that provide municipal-type services to communities;
- non-profit organizations; and
- First Nation governments, including Band or Tribal Councils or their legally-designated representatives.
Examples of the type of community infrastructure that can be supported under CIIF include:
- community centres;
- cultural centres;
- parks;
- libraries;
- recreational facilities (e.g. local arenas, swimming pools, sports fields, and other types of recreational facilities);
- tourism facilities having a local impact; and
- other existing community infrastructure assets which have a local community impact such as connectivity and broadband and local airports.
