November 14, 2012
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today, Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the Fort Rouge Curling Club under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
“The Fort Rouge Curling Club has a long history in Winnipeg and has grown to be one of the most active curling clubs in the province,” said MP Bateman. “Our Government is proud to support upgrades to this facility which will help ensure a high quality curling experience for club members and the local curling community for years to come.”
A federal investment totaling $28,905 will go towards installing a new brine chiller which will be more energy efficient. The new chiller will reduce energy costs and help maintain high quality ice conditions for curlers while helping to create local jobs and economic growth.
“As one of the busiest curling clubs in Manitoba, the Fort Rouge Curling Club continually strives to provide a warm and inviting experience for our many curlers and guests,” said Jeff Hodge, Manager, Fort Rouge Curling Club. “We are currently in the ninth year on our Capital Revitalization Plan, with the installation of a new Brine Chiller being the final piece of the puzzle to rejuvenation of our ice plant. The funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) through CIIF, is invaluable in helping us achieve our goals of reducing our energy usage, reducing our operating costs and providing the best possible ice to our curlers and guests.”
CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. 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:
Gabriela Klimes
Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Telephone: 204-983-6243
Jeff Hodge
Manager, Fort Rouge Curling Club
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Telephone: 204-475-0888
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.
