Harper Government Supports Renovations to Mothercraft's New Community Facility

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 8, 2013) - Members of the community gathered at Mothercraft together today to celebrate an announcement by the Honourable Lisa Raitt, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), Minister Raitt announced federal funding of up to $115,845 for the renovation of a newly acquired facility to create multi-use space for Mothercraft's Breaking the Cycle program, an initiative to support mothers with addictions and their children. Mothercraft is a not-for-profit organization that supports healthy child development, and works with community partners to meet the changing needs of families. Work on the project involves creating a playroom, counseling room, meeting room, kitchen facility and improving accessibility to the facility.

"The Harper Government is pleased to partner with Mothercraft on this remarkable renovation project, which will bring together friends and neighbours in support of child development in the community," said Minister Raitt. "Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, our Government continues to support communities across the country."

"Thanks to the financial support from the Government of Canada, we will create a new space for mothers and children in our Breaking the Cycle program," said Elaine Atkinson, President of the Mothercraft Board of Directors. "Our new home will allow us to continue to deliver integrated services with our many community partners to improve parenting and child development outcomes for the multi-stressed families who rely on our services."

The Fund supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure that is accessible for use by the public. Recipients of the Fund may receive contributions of up to $1 million and must leverage a minimum of 50 percent of funding from other sources. Please see the backgrounder for more information on CIIF.

Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region's strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region's businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, please visit www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.

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IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

This news release is available online at www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund

The national Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund provides $150 million over two years for repairs and improvements to existing public community infrastructure. The Fund is being delivered by regional development agencies across Canada. FedDev Ontario is responsible for administering the program, drawing on its expertise in the delivery of infrastructure programs, while the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) will use its knowledge of the region to manage communications activities related to the Fund in northern Ontario.

Organizations that are receiving funding include the following:

• local or regional governments or related agencies;
• provincial entities that provide municipal-type services to communities;
• not-for-profit organizations; and
• First Nations governments, including band or tribal councils or their legally designated representatives.

The Fund will benefit many types of community infrastructure, including community centres, cultural centres, parks, libraries, recreational facilities, tourism facilities, and other existing community infrastructure assets that have a local community impact.

All projects must be completed by March 31, 2014.