Ko Gocho Centre officially opens its doors to the community thanks to government partnership

BEHCHOKO, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES--(Marketwired - Nov. 26, 2016) -

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The governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories are committed to investing in local infrastructure to ensure families have access to reliable and high-quality public services. Investing in recreational infrastructure creates jobs, strengthens the economy and connects people to their communities.

Together with local residents, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Caroline Cochrane, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, and Behchoko Chief Clifford Daniels, today marked the official opening of the Ko Gocho Centre - a multi-purpose facility where friends and families can enjoy more recreational activities and stay active.

The 70,000-square-foot centre features a renovated arena with an artificial ice surface, an expanded gymnasium, a youth centre, and an exercise room. In addition, it houses office space for the Community Government of Behchoko, a canteen, a restaurant and other public spaces. Eighty-eight solar panels were also installed on the centre to reduce energy dependency and CO₂ emissions.

The much anticipated recreational facility will support the active and healthy lifestyles of over 3,000 surrounding residents.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is proud to invest in projects like Behchoko's new multi-purpose centre that will attract visitors all year round and provide an active, social gathering place for the community now and for years to come. Federal support for major infrastructure projects not only enhances Canadians' quality of life, but also creates good, well-paying jobs that can help Canadians grow and prosper."

Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories

"This new multi-purpose facility is an example of collaboration, partnership and strategic investment in our communities. Led by the Community Government of Behchoko, this project demonstrates the mutual commitment that all orders of government, and industry have towards investing in infrastructure to strengthen the community for the residents of Behchoko, and the Tlicho Region."

The Honourable Caroline Cochrane, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

"I am just so happy that our children and our young adults, and everyone, will have a place to meet and enjoy themselves together. This is a big win for our young people. This has been an effort of our Community Government for many years."

Behchoko Chief Clifford Daniels, Tlicho Government

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

• The Government of Canada contributed $2.1 million towards this $17 million project:
  • Infrastructure Canada: $1.5 million through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund for the new Community Government offices within the Centre.
  • Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency: $500,000 through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund for improvements to the facility.
  • Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada: $100,000 through the ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program for a solar panel project on the Ko Gocho Centre.
• The Community Government of Behchoko contributed $2.3 million through the Government of the Northwest Territories' Community Public Infrastructure Fund.
• Remaining funding and support have also been provided by the Tlicho Government, private partners, and the Community Government of Behchoko.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan

Federal infrastructure investments in the Northwest Territories

Provincial-Territorial Base Fund

New Building Canada Plan

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada

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