The downtown core in Edmonton will have an improved facility for an essential range of programs and services after a combined investment of more than $45 million from the federal government and the Boyle Street Community Services.

“Through this major investment in the new okimaw peyesew kamik (King Thunderbird Centre) in Edmonton, the federal government is delivering for downtown Edmonton. Ensuring the important work of Boyle Street Community Services can continue in one centralized location that provides a reliable and safe space for the community will make our downtown a safer, more vibrant place to work and live. This world-class facility is being built to better accommodate the unique needs of a vulnerable population and will provide dignified support to those who need it most in our city.”

The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Today’s transformative $21 million contribution to okimaw peyesew kamik (King Thunderbird Centre) through the Government of Canada’s GICB grant ensures that those our organization serves will receive the health and community services they deserve in a welcoming, accessible, and beautiful building. It also allows us to build a carbon-neutral, climate-resilient building that enables our organization to sustainably support our community for decades to come. This project’s success is another example of the care and compassion that exists across Edmonton and Canada. It reminds us what can be achieved when we come together and put the dignity of our most vulnerable neighbours at the centre of our efforts. On behalf of all of us at Boyle Street, I want to thank Ministers Boissonnault, Fraser, and their teams for their tireless work and advocacy for our organization and their roles in making okimaw peyesew kamik a reality.”

Jordan Reiniger, Executive Director, Boyle Street Community Services

• The federal government is investing $21,000,000 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program and the Boyle Street Community Services is contributing $24,023,383 through their capital campaign.

• These enhancements are expected to reduce the facility's energy consumption by an estimated 99% and greenhouse gas emissions by 709 tonnes annually.

• The GICB program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan’s first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate change. 

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

• At least 10% of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.

• The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program is now closed.

• On December 18, 2023, the federal government launched the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy, which highlights the need for a collaborative, region-specific approach to sustainability, focusing on strengthening the coordination of federal programs, and initiatives with significant investments. This Framework is a first step in a journey that will bring together multiple stakeholders. PrairiesCan, the federal department that diversifies the economy across the Canadian prairies, has dedicated $100 million over three years to support projects aligned with priority areas identified by Prairie stakeholders to build a stronger, more sustainable, and inclusive economy for the Prairie provinces and Canada.

• Infrastructure Canada is supporting the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding, and attract new investments across the Prairies that better meet their needs. 

Associated links

• Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
• Strengthened Climate Plan
• Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta
• Building a Green Prairie Economy Act
• Building a Green Prairie Economy

For more information (media only), please contact:

Mathis Denis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
343-573-1846
mathis.denis@hrsdc-rhdcc.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

Elliott Tanti
Director, Communications and Engagement
Boyle Street Community Services
587-338-4025
etanti@boylestreet.org