January 23, 2013 Grande Prairie, Alberta
Today, Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic persification, announced support for renovations to Grande Prairie’s Centre 2000 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 Warkentin. “By improving facilities such as Centre 2000, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians.
”
The Harper Government’s investment of $52,919 will support renovations for Centre 2000, including upgrades to the facility’s commercial kitchen and improvements to the audiovisual capabilities in a conference room. These enhancements will result in a better experience for visitors, which will help the Centre to attract additional organizations and events.
“From opening day, this building has become a cherished landmark in the city of Grande Prairie and is used by a variety of community groups and inpiduals throughout the region,
” said Dan Wong, Chair of the Centre 2000 Board. “It is the centre of tourism, business and innovation in our community and this grant will go a long way in keeping this facility updated
”.
"We're pleased to see the Federal Government's support for Centre 2000 in the form of this Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund grant,
" said Bill Given, Mayor of Grand Prairie. "This facility is an excellent example of how our region uses unique partnerships to deliver for our communities and it is great to welcome the Federal Government as a partner.
"
"The Chamber is so pleased to hear of our Federal Government's commitment to funding improvements to Centre 2000,
” said Shawna Miller, Chair of the Board for the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce. “This grant from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund will help to give an already great facility even more to offer our region's businesses, residents, and tourists alike.
"
"Centre 2000 has come to be known as an integral part of both the City and this region,
" said Janis Simpkins, Reeve for the Municipal District of Greenview. "We are grateful for the relationships and partnerships that have come together to see the enhancement of both the facility, and the services it provides to our communities.
"
In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.
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:
Donna Kinley
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic persification Canada
Telephone: 780-495-6892
Email: Donna.Kinley@wd.gc.ca
Amanda Frayn
Manager
Centre 2000
Telephone: 780-513-0240
Email: Amanda@gpchamber.com
Lucien Cloutier
Director of Communications and Legislative Services
Municipal District of Greenview
Telephone: 780-524-7645
Email: Lucien.Cloutier@MDGreenview.ab.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
