Today, Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette , on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for the Watson Art Centre under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
"I am proud to see the Watson Art Centre benefit from our Government's support for local infrastructure,
" said MP Sopuck. "This facility has a long and proud history serving this community and this investment will help create jobs, growth and will support the prosperity of this organization for many years to come.
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The Harper Government's investment of $90,712 will allow the Dauphin & District Allied Arts Council to upgrade the Watson Art Centre. Under the project, the floor and washrooms on the main floor have been renovated to construct a new accessible and barrier-free washroom. With the funds provided today, the council will also replace the auditorium draperies and the facility's backdoor.
"On behalf of The Dauphin & District Allied Arts Council, I would like to thank Western Economic Diversification for considering our project worthwhile and in particular, MP Robert Sopuck for his support,
" said Susan Kowalski, Administrator. "The historic Watson Art Centre has been essential to art and cultural programming for Dauphin and the area since the DDAAC took over its care and maintenance over 40 years ago. The CIIF funding will assist with some much needed upgrades to this more than 100 year old building.
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"I'm very pleased and thankful that the Federal Government has joined with the province, the city of Dauphin, and the Arts community to make much needed repairs and improvements to the Watson Arts Centre,
" said Mayor Irwin. "It is a beautiful, historic building that brings together both the arts community and the wider community to celebrate creativity and the building upgrades will make it more functional and efficient.
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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.
