Harper Government Invests in Community Facilities Across the Country

QUÉBEC, QUÉBEC--(Marketwire - July 5, 2012) - Today during a press conference in Quebec City, the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announced that community facilities, such as community centres, recreational facilities and other types of community infrastructure are now eligible for repairs and upgrades thanks to the launch of the new Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

"Ensuring the well-being of communities continues to be a Harper Government priority. By launching the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, the Harper Government is now making it easier for communities to carry out projects. This support attests to our firm commitment to promote economic growth across Canada," stated Minister Lebel.

To show that the Harper Government is committed to the development of community infrastructure across the country, representatives responsible for the other regional development agencies, Gary Goodyear, Keith Ashfield, Lynne Yelich and Steven Fletcher, have made similar announcements in their respective regions.

The CIIF is part of Canada's 2012 Economic Action Plan and has a nationwide budget of $150 million to be invested over two years. The initiative, in effect until March 31, 2014, is intended to help not-for-profit, public-sector and parapublic organizations and First Nations governments to fund projects to rehabilitate, improve or expand existing community infrastructure, such as community centres, cultural centres, recreational facilities and tourism facilities.

In Quebec, Canada Economic Development will be responsible for administering the CIIF and its $31.2-million budget. The CIIF will help to achieve three Harper Government priorities: promote long-term growth and prosperity in Canada's economy; create jobs; and improve the quality of life of communities.

For more information, please refer to the backgrounder.

Keep up with the latest news from Canada Economic Development by visiting www.dec-ced.gc.ca or subscribing to @CanEconDev on Twitter.

Backgrounder

Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund

Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), the Harper Government has committed to supporting communities and creating jobs through repairs and improvements to existing community facilities over the next two years. Expansions such as adding ramps to improve accessibility to a facility, adding a roof to an outdoor rink or extending a trail or bike path are eligible. The construction of new infrastructure and repairs to facilities that are primarily for commercial or for-profit activities are ineligible. Facilities must be accessible for use by the public and not limited to a private membership. All projects are required to be completed by March 31, 2014.

The Fund is being delivered by the regional development agencies across Canada and will support projects on a cost-shared basis. Funding recipients may receive up to 50 per cent of total eligible costs. Under this Fund, the Harper Government may provide up to $1 million per project. Municipal, regional and First Nation governments, as well as not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

The Fund has been allocated as follows:

Regional Development Agency		Region		Fiscal year 2012-13		Fiscal year 2013-14		Total
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency		Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island		$8,300,000		$8,300,000		$16,600,000
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec		Quebec		$15,600,000		$15,600,000		$31,200,000
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario		Ontario		$24,800,000		$24,800,000		$49,600,000
Northern Economic Development Agency		Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut		$3,200,000		$3,200,000		$6,400,000
Western Economic Diversification		British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba		$23,100,000		$23,100,000		$46,200,000

More information on the delivery of the Fund in each region is available by contacting each regional development agency. In Quebec, please visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.