Government of Canada Supporting Community Infrastructure in Atlantic Canada
July 21, 2015 - Chester, N.S. - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The former Gold River-Western Shore Elementary School in the Municipality of the District of Chester will be transformed into a community centre and recreational space, thanks in part to Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) funding announced today by Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture, to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA).
The Government of Canada has approved a contribution of $75,253 to complete architectural, electrical and mechanical upgrades to the building’s interior, install IT infrastructure and equipment, create a community space and install a new pitched roof. This funding 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 upgrades to the Gold River facility will enable the community to take full advantage of the space for community use and as a recreational asset. To further support the delivery of a wide range of community-based programs, workshops and events, the Municipality will relocate its departments of Recreation and Community Development to the completed building.
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:
- The Municipality of the District of Chester has a population of approximately 10,600 residents (2011).
- 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:
“Our Government believes that strong communities are the foundation of a strong nation. That’s why we continue to make unprecedented investments in community infrastructure. With initiatives like today’s investment to create a community facility and recreational space in Gold River, we are demonstrating our commitment to creating vibrant communities and contributing to a strong and proud Canada.”
- Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture, to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“The Municipality has always promoted healthier lifestyles and communities through recreational programming; we can increase our level of commitment with this unique opportunity. The Gold River facility presents us with exceptional and simultaneous possibilities for community use and municipal operations.”
- Allen Webber, Warden for the Municipality of the District of Chester
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-448-2748 (cell)
E-mail: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Allen Webber
Warden
Municipality of the District of Chester
902-275-3554
E-mail: awebber@chester.ca
Tammy Wilson
CAO
Municipality of the District of Chester
902-275-3554 / 902-275-7544 (cell)
E-mail: twilson@chester.ca
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