The Northgate Lions Seniors Centre will become more energy efficient and accessible thanks to a federal investment of more than $2.3 million. This project was announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault, Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor, City of Edmonton, and Ron Nichol, President of the North Edmonton Seniors Association (NESA).

“Seniors in Edmonton, and across Alberta, deserve a healthy, safe, and dignified retirement. That is why it is crucial that we maintain recreational facilities such as the Northgate Lions Seniors Centre, to ensure uninterrupted and accessible services to our seniors.”

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“The City of Edmonton is restoring facilities like the Northgate Lions Seniors Centre where Edmontonians thrive and connect. With this funding, this rehabilitation will maintain the building’s life cycle, increase energy efficiency and improve accessibility and safety of the building and grounds so seniors can safely and comfortably enjoy the space for years to come.”

Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor, City of Edmonton

“As building systems were coming to the end of their useful life, NESA is very pleased that this project is being undertaken in order to ensure that the centre will continue to operate more efficiently well into the future. Despite the closure of the facility, NESA has been able to maintain programming with the help of the City of Edmonton at the ACT Aquatic and Recreation Centre, our neighbours at McClure United Church, Kilkenny and Steele Heights Community Leagues and the other Edmonton seniors centres. NESA members are looking forward to returning to the Northgate Lions Seniors Centre in the spring.”

Ron Nichol, President, North Edmonton Seniors Association

• The federal government is investing $2,391,664 to this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program (GICB) and the City of Edmonton is contributing $2,745,223.

• As an independent, non-profit society, the North Edmonton Seniors Association (NESA) operates the Northgate Lions Seniors Centre and offers an extensive range of 200 programs that include arts, hobby groups, choir, fitness to meet the needs and interests of its members.

• The GICB program aims to improve the places Canadians work, learn, play, live and come together by cutting pollution, making life more affordable, and supporting thousands of good jobs.

• Through green and other upgrades to existing public community buildings and new builds in underserved communities, the GICB program helps ensure community facilities are inclusive, accessible, and have a long service life, while also helping Canada move towards its net-zero objectives by 2050.

• At least 10% of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

• The GICB program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It supports the Plan’s first pillar by helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

• The program is providing $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades.

• Federal funding is conditional on the signing of funding/contribution agreements.

• For more information, please visit the Infrastructure Canada website.

Associated links

• Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
• Strengthened Climate Plan
• Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta

For more information (media only), please contact:

Micaal Ahmed
Communications Manager
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
343-598-3920
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
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Web: Infrastructure Canada

Courtney Gillis
Communications Advisor
City of Edmonton
780-288-8870
courtney.gillis@edmonton.ca

Ron Nichol
President
North Edmonton Seniors Association (NESA)
780-496-6969
president@nesa-1.ca