March 22, 2013
Wainwright, Alberta
Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville—Wainwright, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for upgrades to the historic Wainwright Hotel under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
"I am pleased that our Government is supporting the continued restoration of the Wainwright Hotel as a key part of the Buffalo Park Foundations truly important historic project," said MP Benoit. "Once fully renovated, this facility will educate residents and visitors about the Wainwright region's past, while helping to create local jobs and economic growth."
The Harper Government's investment of $221,582 will help transform the Wainwright Hotel into a permanent home for the Buffalo Park Centre. This process will include demolition work and upgrades to the hotel's structural elements, roof and electrical system. The renovated facility will house a regional interpretive centre and archive, which will better serve residents and increase the number of visitors to the region.
"The Town of Wainwright truly appreciates the investments the federal government continues to make in our community," said his Worship Norm Coleman, Mayor for the Town of Wainwright. "Federal assistance goes a long way in providing quality infrastructure for our residents, strengthening our economy and adding quality to the lives of the people who call Wainwright home."
"The Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61 is pleased to partner with the federal government in funding the Buffalo Park Foundation's building renovation project," said Bob Barss, Reeve of the Municipal District of Wainwright. "This, much appreciated, federal assistance will enable the Foundation to promote an important part of our local heritage for generations to come."
"The Buffalo Park Foundation is thrilled with this federal support through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund," said Allen Ford, Chair of the Buffalo Park Foundation. "Our aim is to open the main floor of the Buffalo Park Centre by March 31, 2014, and make this revitalized building a key community arts and heritage resource in east central Alberta."
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:
Joanne Mysak
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 306-975-5942
Email: Joanne.Mysak@wd.gc.ca
Scott Flett
Economic Heritage Program Coordinator
Town of Wainwright
Telephone: 780-842-3381
Email: sflett@wainwright.ca
Kelly Buchinski
Municipal Administrator
Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61
Telephone: 780-842-4454
Email: admin@mdwainwright.ca
Gord Snyder
Executive Director
Buffalo Park Foundation
Telephone: 780-842-9247
Email: gord@buffaloadventures.ca
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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