The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize the importance of having quality recreational infrastructure that encourages people to adopt healthy lifestyles and contributes to making communities vibrant and inclusive places to live. Thanks to joint government funding, a new recreational centre will be built and five others will be renovated in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, which will enhance residents’ quality while contributing to the growth of sporting activities and enduring community prosperity.

"Sports and community infrastructure helps build inclusive communities where families can have fun and get together. As well as helping residents maintain an active lifestyle, these projects will bring people together and contribute to the development of the Bas-Saint-Laurent region for generations to come. Our government is proud to be making investments that improve the quality of people’s lives, while promoting economic prosperity and creating well-paying jobs for the middle class.”

Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“By supporting construction and renovation projects such as these, we are demonstrating our desire to make safe, accessible facilities available to local residents and help municipalities ensure the durability and quality of their infrastructure. All of these projects will allow Bas-Saint-Laurent residents to engage in regular sports and physical activities, promoting the adoption of active lifestyles.”

Jean D’Amour, Minister for Maritime Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region, on behalf of Sébastien Proulx, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, Minister of Families and Minister Responsible for the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region

“It is important to improve and update sports and recreational facilities. Local residents will have the opportunity to discover or rediscover these facilities. Throughout the year, they will be able to practice several sports activities in these places. This investment demonstrates how wellness and quality-of-life are at the very heart of government priorities.”

Norbert Morin, Member of the National Assembly for Côte-du-Sud

“As mentioned in the strategic plan put together after public consultations with residents and the organizations that use the community centre, the requirement for a new centre is more than necessary. Without a doubt, residents of Saint-Arsène welcome with open arms the government support, which will allow this long-awaited community project to take shape.”

Claire Bérubé, Mayor of Saint-Arsène

• The Small Communities Fund is a joint federal‒provincial program coordinated by Infrastructure Canada in partnership with the provinces and territories. In Quebec, the Fund is administered by the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. The goal of this program is to provide financial support to Canadian municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents to develop infrastructure that can enhance their cultural, sports, recreational, and tourism assets or safeguard public assets.

• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

• Budget 2017 proposes $21.9 billion to support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.

Related Products

• Backgrounder: Canada and Quebec support six sports and community infrastructure projects in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region

Associated Links

• For more information about the government of Canada’s $180-billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017
• Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec
• The New Building Canada Plan
• New Building Canada Fund, Small Communities Fund

Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613 219-0149

Marie B. Deschamps
Press Secretary
Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, Minister of Families and Minister Responsible for the Region of Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
418 644-0664

Marc Lapointe
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Maritime Affairs
418-691-5650

For information:

Infrastructure Canada
613‑960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

Pierre-Luc Lévesque
Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs, Land Occupancy, and Public Security
418‑646-6777, ext 3746