Harper Government Invests in Improvements to Calgary's Community Infrastructure

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - July 31, 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 $816,500 for four projects benefitting 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 150^th 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

• Aviation has played a significant role in the development of Canada. The upgrades to the Aero Space Museum of Calgary will provide visitors with greater access to exhibition and collections that relate to the history and technological advances in aviation and space exploration.
• Grow Calgary Society will upgrade the Grow Calgary urban farm, which grows fresh food for the Food Bank.
• The City of Calgary will construct and upgrade trails within Nose Hill Park that connect to the Trans Canada Trail.
• Renovations to Vivo for Healthier Generations will ensure Canadians can live an active and healthy lifestyle for generations to come.
• 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

"As Canada prepares to celebrate its 150^th anniversary of Confederation, our Government is helping to renovate, expand and rehabilitate existing infrastructure. Through these investments, we are ensuring that these community spaces and facilities continue to benefit Canadians for years to come."

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

"The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is part of our Government's efforts to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. The investments announced today demonstrate our Government's commitment to improved public infrastructure here in Calgary."

- Devinder Shory, MP for Calgary Northeast

"It is assistance such as this that allows the Aero Space Museum to continue to showcase Canadian Aviation History in Calgary for future generations. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for this support."

- Mark Eberl, Board Chairman, Aero-Space Museum Association of Calgary

"The 3000 plus hardworking volunteers from Grow Calgary are incredibly grateful for the financial support from the Government of Canada. Minister Rempel and her team are assisting Grow Calgary with the establishment of a Food Access legacy in Calgary. The Canada 150 contribution will not only help Grow Calgary expand our farm operations, but more importantly, the thousands of Calgarians that benefit from our production and distribution (via Calgary Food Bank) of healthy, nutritious and locally grown food. Minister Rempel and her team have made Calgary a healthier community for vulnerable families."

- Paul Hughes, President and Farm Manager, Grow Calgary Society

"The City of Calgary is pleased to be able to participate in the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. Nose Hill Park is a major regional park serving all Calgarian's. It represents significant part or our region's history, Aboriginal heritage and use within the Calgary region, and is one of the largest contiguous Natural Environment Parks within a major city and will benefit greatly from the preservation and trail management initiatives that will be funded through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program."

- Doug Marter, Parks Manager, The City of Calgary

"The funding through Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will leave a lasting legacy of social connection and increased quality of life in north-central Calgary by providing innovative spaces for the community to gather formally and informally; creating supportive environments empowering individuals to live healthier, more active lives; and improving overall visitor experience to Vivo through enhanced safety and overall aesthetics."

- Sue Scott, CEO, Vivo for Healthier Generations

Alberta Projects being launched today:

Additional Links

- Canada 150

- WD Canada 150

- Aero Space Museum of Calgary

- The City of Calgary

- Grow Calgary Society

- Vivo for Healthier Generations

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