Government of Canada Invests Over $994K in Improvements to Community Infrastructure in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
News Release
The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) funding helps local and Indigenous communities improve their amenities.
May 25, 2017 – Fort McMurray, Alberta – Western Economic Diversification Canada
One year after the devastating wildfires in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the Government of Canada is pleased to support valued infrastructure improvements in the region. Four municipal projects will receive a combined investment of $994,458 through the Government of Canada’s Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, made the announcement during a visit to Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Project improvements include renovations to the Anzac Community Centre, upgrades to the community arena in Fort McKay, construction of a community pavilion on the Métis cultural grounds in Fort McKay, and the renovation of a Quonset at Gregoire Lake.
The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is part of Canada 150 Celebrates, the Government of Canada's celebration of our country's 150th anniversary of Confederation. Budget 2016 provided an additional $150 million over two years to Canada’s Regional Development Agencies to deliver further community funding across the country, starting in 2016-17, with Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) being responsible for administering the program in Western Canada.
Through investments in community infrastructure, the Government of Canada is investing in projects that seek to renovate, expand, and improve existing community infrastructure, with a focus on positive impacts on Indigenous communities, local recreational facilities, and projects that advance a clean growth economy.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing recreational and cultural infrastructure to benefit Indigenous communities and promote a clean growth economy. These projects will leave a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
- David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Member of Parliament for LaSalle-Émard-Verdun
“Community infrastructure helps bring people together and supports the well-being of residents. Investments like these contribute to the strength and resilience of our region.”
- Melissa Blake, Mayor, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
“We thank the Government of Canada for their support through the ‘Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.’ The renovation of our Quonset will allow for our Community to come together and provide a safe, healthy environment for our members. I am especially excited for our Elders to have space to meet and help teach our Youth traditional classes such as beading, language classes and other community activities.”
- Chief Ron Kreutzer, Fort McMurray #468 First Nation
“Music and dance is a very important part of the Métis culture. Having a place of our own to celebrate, both local and regional, Métis events will have a significant impact on the community of Fort McKay. We thank the Government of Canada for supporting this worthwhile initiative.”
- Dwayne Roth, Acting Chief Administrative Officer of the Fort McKay Métis Community Association
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Contacts
Donna Kinley
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
780-902-2984
Donna.Kinley@canada.ca
Nicole Power
Communication Strategist
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
780-799-8671
Nicole.Power@RMWB.ca
Cindy Miller
Band Manager
Fort McMurray #468 First Nation
Office: 780-334-2293
780-742-7503
cindy.miller@fmfn468.com
Jauvonne Kitto
Executive Director
Fort McKay First Nation
403-710-4479
jkitto@fortmckay.com
Contessa Short
Operations & Safety Manager
Fort McKay Metis Community Association
780-828-4581
operations@fmmgl.com
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