Harper Government Takes Action to Improve Community Facilities Across the Country

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 5, 2012) - The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), today announced the launch of the new Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund in Ontario. Community and recreational facilities are now eligible for repairs and upgrades through the Fund.

"The Harper Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our communities," said Minister of State Goodyear. "The Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund will boost economic activity in communities and help support job creation in Ontario. By improving the quality of our community facilities, we are also contributing to building prosperous communities for Canadian families for years to come."

FedDev Ontario is delivering the Fund in Ontario with an allocation of $49.6 million over two years.

Through the Fund, FedDev Ontario will support, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure that is accessible for use by the public. Local, regional and First Nation governments, as well as not-for-profit organizations with projects that can be completed before March 31, 2014 are invited to apply for funding.

Eligible recipients may receive contributions of up to $1 million and must leverage a minimum of 50 per cent of funding from other sources. In Ontario, priority may be given to projects that require a federal contribution of just 33.3 per cent of total project costs.

Applications for projects in Ontario must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. EDT on August 24, 2012. For detailed program guidelines and information on how to apply, please refer to www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca/ciif.

This national program provides $150 million over two years to be delivered by regional development agencies across the country. For more information, please refer to the backgrounder.

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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This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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. Priority will be given to projects that can demonstrate anticipated economic benefits to their communities and the use of new technologies and innovation. 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. The Government of Canada 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
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency		Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut	$3,200,000	$3,200,000	$6,400,000
Western Economic Diversification Canada		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 Ontario, please visit www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca/CIIF, email infrastructure@feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.