Harper Government Invests in Improvements to Calgary's Community Infrastructure

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - July 30, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North, announced support of $190,000 for upgrades to the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary 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 Olympic Oval was built for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary and is now used for training and recreation. The facility is Canada's premier covered long track speed skating oval, and is home to the fastest ice in the world.
• Funding under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will support the replacement of four sections of spectator stands at the University of Calgary's Olympic Oval.
• The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is one of several infrastructure-related initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken to generate well-being and prosperity in communities across Canada.

Quotes

"In celebration of the 150^th anniversary of Confederation our Government is helping to renew and improve vital community infrastructure. By supporting the upgrades to the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary, we will help foster an energized and positive community."

- The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North

"The University of Calgary welcomes the federal government investment in the Olympic Oval and support of its legacy as a world-class, athletic training and competition facility. The funding is crucial to continue the Oval's premier condition and ensure ongoing access for the university and the Calgary community to world-class recreation facilities."

- Penny Werthner, Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary

Additional Links

- Canada 150

- WD Canada 150

- Olympic Oval

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