Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in Western Canada
Backgrounder
The year 2017 marked the 150th anniversary of Confederation, an occasion for all Canadians to connect with the past, celebrate the country's achievements and look toward the future. It was an opportunity to reflect on and deepen our sense of what it means to be Canadian, as well as to begin a new era of optimism and hope across the country.
The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150), a $300-million fund established to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday, marked the occasion through investments in projects to rehabilitate, renovate or enhance cultural and community facilities. These spaces help define a community's sense of place, pride and purpose, and ensure that Canada 150 has a lasting legacy.
In Western Canada, the Government of Canada invested over $91.3 million to rehabilitate or improve more than 770 community infrastructure assets and facilities that create community and cultural benefits for the public.
Western Economic Diversification Canada was responsible for administering the program across the four western provinces. The program officially closed on March 31, 2018.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, CIP 150 supported 222 projects with approved investments totalling $35,030,507.
In British Columbia, one community that benefited from a project supported with the CIP 150 is Gibsons. The Gibsons Building Society received funding for the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre. Since launching the opening phase of the new Marine Education Centre and multi-purpose space in the fall 2017, the Gibsons Building Society has developed 30 exciting live exhibits showcasing 70 different local species from the rich underwater world of Howe Sound. More than 1,500 guests of all ages have visited (and revisited) the aquarium to see the stunning habitats, developing a deeper appreciation for marine environments.
Alberta
In Alberta, CIP 150 supported 224 projects with approved investments totalling $30,113,848.
One of the Alberta communities that benefited from a CIP 150 project is Grande Prairie. Clarkson Community Hall, one of the original buildings in Evergreen Park, received funding to do renovations that have helped to extend the lifespan of the facility. Its transformation has reinvigorated the building as an attractive space for community events. The building has significant historical meaning to the community. It is named after pioneer Douglas Clarkson, who helped establish the distribution system that brought electric light and power to farms in Alberta.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, CIP 150 supported 175 projects with approved investments totalling $12,406,540.
One example of a project in Saskatchewan that benefited from CIP 150 support is the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of Regina. The YMCA partnered with Executive Mat Service Ltd. under their Green Thumb program, an initiative designed to reduce waste that typically ends up in the landfill. Using CIP 150 funding, the YMCA invested in an energy capture boiler system to heat the pool at their facility. The new system uses biofuel pellets made from recycled paper and food wastes gathered throughout the city. The upgrade will demonstrate that an energy capture system works in a commercial setting. It will also significantly reduce the YMCA's reliance on natural gas by using waste as an alternate heating source. The YMCA sees its new boiler system as a means of controlling their costs to help better serve their clients, while also demonstrating excellent environmental stewardship.
Manitoba
In Manitoba, CIP 150 supported 150 projects with approved investments totalling $13,785,435.
One Manitoba project that benefited from CIP 150 funding is the Winkler Recreation Complex in Winkler. The community used the investment to make several upgrades to the arena, including installing an exterior ramp, automated doors, rubber flooring and benches in the dressing rooms. Prior to the renovations, the arena had limited accessibility for users with mobility impairments. The improvements to the facility have enabled people of all ages and abilities access to the arena.