July 31, 2015 – Saint John N.B. - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Harbour Station and the Royal Canadian Legion Lancaster Branch 69 will soon be getting upgrades, thanks in part to Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) funding announced today by Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency).
The Government of Canada is contributing $44,734 to the City of Saint John to replace the lighting system at Harbour Station, while the Royal Canadian Legion will be getting $30,200 to improve its parking area and move its monument to a more visible location. Federal funding for these projects is part of the up to $16.6 million in funding allocated for projects in Atlantic Canada under CIP 150, announced earlier this year by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The funding for Harbour Station will enable the city to replace the arena and event center’s 20 year-old lighting system with energy efficient LED fixtures. Work at the Legion will involve preparing the front and back parking areas for resurfacing to improve safety and accessibility.
The national Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is providing up to $150 million over two years to support projects that rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing public infrastructure for communities. It is part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships and modernize existing community facilities.
In Atlantic Canada, CIP 150 is administered through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Quick Facts:
- Harbour Station, with a seating capacity of up to 7,800, has hosted international sporting events and numerous big name concerts.
- Established in 1947, the Royal Canadian Legion Lancaster Branch 69 has been serving its membership of over 800 in its current building for over 50 years and remains a vital force in the community, providing scholarships and assisting youth and sports.
- The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is one of several infrastructure-related initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken to generate well-being and prosperity in communities across Canada.
- Infrastructure investments are a proven, effective means of boosting economic activity and enhancing the quality of life for Canadian families.
- Projects that will be supported by the program will be chosen based on assessment criteria including construction-readiness and public benefit, the extent to which funding is leveraged from other sources and linkages to Canada 150.
- Total federal government funding will be a maximum of 50 per cent of the total eligible costs for projects in Atlantic Canada.
- The Government of Canada’s contributions are contingent on the execution of contribution agreements with recipients.
- Selected projects are expected to be completed by March 31, 2018.
Quotes:
“The 150th anniversary of Confederation is a time to celebrate the places across this great country that unite and connect us – the parks, the trails, the cultural and community centres and more. The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will have a lasting impact in Atlantic Canada and will ensure residents, such as those here in Saint John, have access to improved community spaces.
- Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for New Brunswick and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“On behalf of the Harbour Station Commission, staff and our funding partners, we would like to thank ACOA for their assistance with the Harbour Station LED Lighting Project. The facility will see a cost savings in excess of $10,000 per year in electrical consumption once the project has been completed.”
- Michael Caddell, General Manager, Harbour Station
“The members of Lancaster Branch #69 of the Royal Canadian Legion are very pleased to hear that we are receiving assistance from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. Our Branch supports our veterans and their dependents and is used by seniors, community groups and members of our community. It is essential that we have a parking lot that is free of potholes and is safe for our veterans, our seniors, our youth, as well as other members of our community who use our branch. We thank ACOA for helping Lancaster Branch 69 continue to help our veterans and our community.”
- Larry Lynch, President, Royal Canadian Legion Lancaster Branch 69
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Lisa Gautreau
Acting Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-471-1565
Michael Caddell
General Manager
Harbour Station
506-632-6109
Larry Lynch
President
Royal Canadian Legion Lancaster Branch #69
llynch@nbnet.nb.ca
506-647-9900
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