November 12, 2012
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today, the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the Charleswood Legion, under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
"The Charleswood Legion is used by many groups in Winnipeg to host a wide variety of important community events," said Minister Fletcher. "Our government is proud of this investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan which will create jobs and support the important work the Legion does each year in our community."
Funding of $59,043 will go towards a new roof, two new rooftop heating and air conditioning units, and replacing the main floor ceiling and lighting. The upgrades will make the facility more energy efficient and help create a more pleasing environment for visitors.
"This project will breathe new life into our building," said Don Pickering, President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Charleswood Branch. "Our members are very excited to be getting a fresh new look in the club. We would not be able to undertake a project of this magnitude without the assistance of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)."
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:
Madison Howe
Special Assistant-Communications
Office of the Honourable Steven Fletcher
Minister of State (Transport)
Telephone: 613-862-5357
Gabriela Klimes
Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Telephone: 204-983-6243
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 www.wd-deo.gc.ca for more information on the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.