Government of Canada Announces Support for Community Infrastructure in Western Canada

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 24, 2016) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, Randy Boissonnault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, announced the second intake of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in Western Canada. Announced in Budget 2016, this top-up to the national Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will create a lasting legacy in communities and be a celebration of the collective community spirit across the country. The program is part of Canada 150 Celebrates, which helps to develop our communities, celebrate our heritage, and improve the quality of life of all Canadians.

As of today, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is accepting funding applications to support projects seeking to renovate, expand and improve existing community infrastructure. Priority will be given to projects that upgrade recreational facilities, advance a clean growth economy, and have a positive impact on Indigenous communities and peoples.

Quotes

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am so pleased to announce the opening of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program second intake. The program will leave a lasting legacy for communities across Canada, and demonstrate our commitment to local infrastructure priorities that build a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for all Canadians."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"The second intake of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program demonstrates the government's commitment to building strong, modern and efficient infrastructure in Edmonton and across Alberta."

- Randy Boissonnault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre

"The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program investment is allowing Fringe Theatre Adventures and other organizations like us to make substantial upgrades to our facilities and festival grounds. Specifically, this money is allowing us make improvements to the north end of our Fringe Festival site and the ATB Financial Arts Barns. These improvements include upgrades that will increase accessibility and walkability of the area year round, increase patron and pedestrian safety, and aid in the completion of our newest performance space, the Backstage Theatre, a 130 seat venue which was developed in partnership with the Varscona Theatre, by converting the festival storage area of the ATB Financial Arts Barns into a temporary home while construction on their brand new theatre happened right across the street. The funding is helping to ensure that we can continue to use the space as a theatre for local, national and international artists into the future."

- Adam Mitchell, A/Executive Director for Fringe Theatre Adventures

Quick Facts

• The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will invest an additional $150 million across Canada in community infrastructure, with $46.2 million allocated across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba).
• Applications for projects in Western Canada are being carried out through a call-for-proposals process, and will be accepted between May 24 and June 22, 2016, closing at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time/2:00 p.m. Mountain Time/3:00 p.m. Central Time.
• For Canadians affected by the devastating wildfires in Fort McMurray and areas of north-east Alberta, Western Economic Diversification Canada will extend this period for impacted applicants.
• In Western Canada, examples of community infrastructure project applications supported may include, but are not limited to, community and cultural centres, local arenas and swimming pools, campgrounds, libraries, and parks.

Additional Links

- Apply through WD

- Canada 150

Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.

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