November 13, 2012
Gainsborough, Saskatchewan
Today, Ed Komarnicki, Member of Parliament for Souris-Moose Mountain, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the Rural Municipality of Argyle 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 MP Komarnicki. “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 $20,679 will go towards upgrades at the Gainsborough Community Rink. Improvements will include the installation of new puck boards in the hockey rink and reflective foil insulation to the interior walls of the curling rink, and upgrades to the kitchen and lobby area. These improvements will reduce energy costs while increasing the lifespan of the building, and ensuring that it continues to be a safe and clean facility for public use.
"Everyone agreed that the Community Rink could use some upgrades and the lobby area a face lift," said Bob Meredith, Reeve of the RM of Argyle No.1. "Thanks to many donations and countless volunteer hours running the kitchen and bar along with maintaining the building and ice surfaces some of the improvements are going to be a possibility. With this announcement of federal funding, all the upgrades will become a reality, hopefully leading to decreased energy bills and a facility we can be proud of for years to come."
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
Rhonda Huish
President
Gainsborough Curling Club
Telephone: 306-685-4702
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.
Please refer to the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund website for more information.