Investment Supports Community Infrastructure in Vancouver Island South

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 23, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced the project launch of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in Western Canada. The national program supports improvements to community infrastructure, with the aim of giving back to Canadians and creating a lasting legacy as Canada prepares to celebrate the150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.

As of today, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is beginning to announce successful projects that will receive funding from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in order to help rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing public infrastructure for community use. In Western Canada, strong preference was given to projects that were undertaking meaningful upgrades to existing cultural and community facilities. Some of the successful projects launched today include the Belfry Theatre Society, hosts of today's announcement, who will receive $340,000 from WD under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, to help support expansions, renovations and modernizations to the theatre that ensure to maintain the original characteristics of the 1890s heritage building.

For detailed program and project information, please refer to www.wd-deo.gc.ca.

Quick Facts

• The national Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program provides $150 million over two years to be delivered by regional development agencies across the country. It is part of the federal government's activities to honour Canada's 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. WD is responsible for the distribution of more than $46 million over two years for Western Canada.
• In Western Canada, WD invested in projects that aim to rehabilitate or improve cultural and community infrastructure, helping communities to realize long-term growth and vibrancy for years to come.

Quotes

"In 2017, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Confederation. As part of the celebrations, our Government is helping communities improve and renew existing public spaces and facilities across the West, while celebrating our shared heritage and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations."

• The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

"The Belfry is excited and grateful for this contribution towards a project that will increase the comfort and experience of those who use our beautiful heritage building. The replacement of our second hand refurbished seats installed twenty years ago, and the expansion of the lobby will help ensure that the Belfry's next forty years are as exciting as our first forty seasons of being a cultural touchstone for the Greater Victoria region."

• Helen Lansdowne, Chair, Belfry Theatre Board of Directors

Related Products

• Backgrounder: Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

British Columbia Projects being launched today:

Proponent		Description	Canada 150 Funding Amount
District of Highlands		Upgrade Twinflower Park Playground in Victoria.	$30,000
Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Pacific), Inc.		Rehabilitate a historic cabin at Sooke's Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue facility.	$20,350
Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence Society		Renovate outdoor public venue in Victoria.	$154,822
Victoria Highland Games Association		Rehabilitate Craigflower Manor in Victoria.	$50,000
T'Sou-ke First Nation		Renovation of Lazzar Community Church.	$29,875
Scouts Canada - Cascadia Council		Renovate Keego kitchen and dining hall in Sooke.	$73,000
Capital Regional District		Rehabilitate Panorama Recreation Centre in Victoria.	$500,000
Pender Island Public Library Association		Install new library shelves at Pender Island Public Library.	$22,350
Saturna Community Club		Rehabilitation of Saturna Community Hall	$63,166
The Belfry Theatre Society		Expand Belfry Theatre's existing lobby area, replace theatre seating, and improve wheelchair accessibility.	$340,000
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority		Revitalize downtown waterfront in Victoria	$250,000

Additional Links

National announcement

Canada 150

WD Canada 150

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