Today, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Federal Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga; Raj Saini, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre; Stephen Crawford, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure and Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; Mike Harris, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga; and Regional Chair Karen Redman, Region of Waterloo, announced joint funding for 10 community, culture and recreation infrastructure projects in southwestern Ontario.

“Recreation and cultural spaces are at the heart of inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming communities where people want to live, work and raise a family. The federal contribution of more than $6.9 million to the 10 projects announced today will provide residents of the Waterloo Region, Woodstock and Puslinch with upgraded, and modern recreation spaces where they can stay fit, explore local heritage, or enjoy a range of cultural activities. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Federal Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“The rehabilitation of the beautiful West Montrose Covered Bridge, as well as improvements to the nine other facilities announced today, demonstrates that together with our partners we are ensuring that Canadians have access to essential community services, diverse cultural experiences, and quality recreation options for years to come.”

Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga

“It’s exciting to see all of the great work being done to improve essential recreation and cultural facilities in communities throughout Ontario. Each YMCA, baseball park, community centre and museum contributes to the success and health of our vibrant community. Today’s announcement will create invaluable community spaces where we can stay active, build connections, and support one another.”

Raj Saini, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre 

“The Ontario government continues to demonstrate a firm commitment to take action in helping communities be more accessible, modern, and inclusive. With an investment of more than $5.8 million to support the renovation and expansion of multiple recreational buildings across Kitchener-Waterloo Region, the province is working to create jobs and upgrade communities. Today’s infrastructure investment will deliver vital services, foster pride in our cultural heritage, and enhance social inclusion and the quality of life for all residents."

Stephen Crawford, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure and Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure

“The ten projects announced today will ensure Waterloo Region has access to upgraded recreational amenities that will benefit local residents for years to come. I am pleased that our government has prioritized preserving local heritage by supporting the rehabilitation of the West Montrose Covered Bridge, one of the region’s most important landmarks. Continued provincial investments like this will ensure our community remains one of the best places in Ontario to live, work and raise a family.”

Mike Harris, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga

“Thank you to the federal and provincial partners for their investment in these two critical projects in the Region of Waterloo through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The West Montrose Covered Bridge is an iconic landmark in the Region of Waterloo, and beyond. This funding will allow us to complete critical upgrades to ensure its heritage and cultural impact is preserved for our community to enjoy for many years. A new multi-use trail in downtown Kitchener will create a safe and active route for residents to access the future King Victoria Transit Hub, planned for construction in 2021, and will provide a connection to the popular Iron Horse Trail.”

Karen Redman, Regional Chair, Region of Waterloo

• Under the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. 

• Across Ontario, the Government of Canada has invested more than $8.3 billion in over 2,865 infrastructure projects.

• Over the next 10 years, the Government of Ontario is investing approximately $320 million across the province, and the federal government is investing approximately $407 million in Ontario under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. This stream supports the construction of new facilities and upgrades to existing facilities that improve community infrastructure (e.g. community centres, libraries), recreational venues (e.g. arenas, recreational spaces) and cultural spaces (e.g. theatres, museums). 

• Ontario is investing over $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada plan to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Canada and Ontario invest in improved community, culture and recreation infrastructure in southwestern Ontario

Associated links

• Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
• Ontario Builds Project Map

Chantalle Aubertin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-941-0660
chantalle.aubertin@canada.ca

Christine Bujold
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure
416-454-1782
christine.bujold@ontario.ca

Sofia Sousa-Dias
Communications Branch
Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure
437-991-3391
sofia.sousa-Dias@ontario.ca

Lynsey Slupeiks
Manager Corporate Communications
Region of Waterloo
519-504-3208
LSlupeiks@regionofwaterloo.ca

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