Harper Government Invests in Improvements to Vancouver Island's Community Infrastructure

LAKE COWICHAN, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 28, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support of $896,025 for eight projects on Vancouver Island, under the Government of Canada's Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.

In Economic Action Plan 2015, the Government of Canada announced further support for communities with the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. Thanks to a commitment of $150 million, communities from coast to coast to coast will see support for improvements to local infrastructure, creating a lasting legacy as Canada prepares to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.

The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will help fund renovations, expansions and rehabilitations to existing infrastructure that provides community and cultural benefits for the public. The Program represents one of several infrastructure-related initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken to generate well-being and prosperity across Canada.

Quick Facts

• The national Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program provides $150 million over two years to be delivered by regional development agencies across the country. It is part of the federal government's activities to honour Canada's 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. WD is responsible for the distribution of $46,200,000 over two years for Western Canada.
• The eight projects being announced today total $896,025 in funding under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, and will help improve existing community infrastructure in Nanaimo, Parksville, Duncan, Port Alberni, Cherry Creek, Lake Cowichan, Ahousaht and Ucluelet.

Quotes

"Community centres, parks, trails, and other public spaces contribute to the strength of our communities, and by helping to renew them we are ensuring that they remained useable for years to come while creating jobs and economic growth."

- The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North

"I am very grateful for the funding provided by Canada 150 towards the Centennial Park improvements. New and improved playing fields are long overdue and will become a valuable asset for our community. People of all ages will benefit from the upgrades to this recreational facility."

- Ross Forrest, Mayor of the Town of Lake Cowichan

Additional Links

- WD: Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

- Nanaimo Curling Club

- City of Parksville

- Cowichan Station Area Association

- Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot

- Cherry Creek Community Hall

- Town of Lake Cowichan

- Ahousaht First Nation

- District of Ucluelet

British Columbia Projects being launched today:

Proponent	Description		Canada 150 Funding Amount
The Nanaimo Curling Club	Renovate the Nanaimo Curling Club banquet hall		$50,000
City of Parksville	Upgrade the Parksville Community and Conference Centre		$141,225
Cowichan Station Area Association	Renovate and refurbish exterior of community centre in Duncan		$46,000
Regional District of Alberni-Clayoquot	Upgrade the Third Avenue recycling depot in Port Alberni		$55,100
Cherry Creek Community Recreation Commission	Upgrade the Cherry Creek Community Hall		$20,000
Town of Lake Cowichan	Upgrade the Town of Lake Cowichan Centennial Park		$500,000
Ahousaht Indian Band	Refurbish the Maaqtusiis Gymnasium floor for the Ahousaht First Nation		$22,750
District of Ucluelet	Expand the Ucluelet Skateboard Park		$60,950

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