Official re-opening celebrates newly renovated facility
October 29, 2014 – St. John’s, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Gathering Place has undertaken major upgrades and renovations that will enable the organization to offer additional services to the public, thanks in part to investments from the Government of Canada. The official re-opening of the facility is taking place today to celebrate the completion of the project and to mark 20 years of operation.
The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), today announced more than $605,000 in funding from the Government of Canada to support this initiative. The Government of Canada contributed more than $236,000 through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) and another $369,000 through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
The Gathering Place provides programs and services for people in the province who are homeless or live in less than desirable housing conditions, and for people who have complex mental and physical health issues. The Government of Canada’s investment through CIIF supported an improved electrical system, improved plumbing and sprinkler system, geo-thermal heating and an emergency power generating system.
Through this project, The Gathering Place has greatly enhanced the facilities and services it currently offered. The newly renovated facility will offer meal programs, laundry service and home start-up programs, as well as the provision of space for training in health, wellness, literacy and social development.
Quick Facts:
- The total value of the project to upgrade The Gathering Place is approximately $5.5 million.
- In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada announced plans to further modernize Canada’s infrastructure by committing $150 million over two years for the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF). This fund was delivered through ACOA in the Atlantic region.
- CIIF has supported projects to improve existing community infrastructure, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.
- The Homelessness Partnering Strategy is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to 61 designated communities across Canada.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support a partnership approach to improving infrastructure that benefits communities and meets the needs of residents through projects such as this one. I congratulate The Gathering Place on the official re-opening of this facility, which provides vitally important services that are focused on building community, promoting equality and providing nourishment to people in need.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Our Government is committed to ensuring Canadians are provided with the supports they need so they have the opportunity to lead self-sufficient, productive lives contributing to their communities and the economy. Achieving our goals requires many partnerships and we congratulate The Gathering Place on their official re-opening.”
- The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development)
“The Gathering Place has become a welcoming environment in our community for those who need it most, and we are excited to celebrate its reconstruction and redevelopment today at the official re-opening. Through the support of our partners, such as the Government of Canada, we are able to improve our services and programs to benefit all those who use The Gathering Place.”
- Sister Elizabeth Davis, Co-Chair, Board of Directors, The Gathering Place
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Julie Afonso
Acting Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Rose Daley
Special Project Coordinator
The Gathering Place
709-747-0868
