Minister Gary Goodyear and MP Susan Truppe Celebrate Revitalized My Sisters' Place

LONDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 23, 2014) - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Today, FedDev Ontario Minister of State Gary Goodyear, accompanied by local MP Susan Truppe, celebrated the newly revitalized My Sisters' Place community facility in London, Ontario. The event marked the completed renovation and upgrades to improve service, create physical accessibility and conserve the heritage building on Dundas Street.

Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, the Canadian Mental Health Association Middlesex received a contribution of up to $240,000, toward total approved project costs of $735,500, for the upgrading of My Sisters' Place. The funding was used to renovate the third floor to create increased program space; install a new elevator; add a barrier-free washroom; construct a fire escape; remove an unused chimney; and grade the outdoor sidewalks.

At My Sisters' Place, the complexity of homelessness, mental health, trauma, abuse, violence, poverty and hunger is seen in the experience of many women who visit. All services available seek to reduce homelessness and to support women to find and keep safe, affordable housing.

Since 2009, FedDev Ontario has acted as a co-investor and champion with southern Ontario communities, businesses and not-for-profit organizations to actively promote the region and build a strong foundation of long-term economic growth.

Quick Facts

• In Ontario, 430 projects with a community impact were approved under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, including tourism facilities, community centres, libraries and recreational facilities.
• First announced in Economic Action Plan 2012, the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund was a national short-term economic stimulus program that provided $150 million for the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of community infrastructure facilities across the country.
• Since its creation, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $1.1 billion, resulting in partnerships with more than 5,300 organizations and more than $1.5 billion in additional leveraged investments from almost exclusively non-government sources to support businesses, organizations and communities in southern Ontario.

Quotes

"FedDev Ontario's investment in My Sisters' Place has helped to improve the accessibility of the building, maintaining a safe place for women in the community to support one another through homelessness, mental health issues and addictions. When we improve local facilities, we are strengthening and supporting our communities across the country."

- Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for FedDev Ontario

"Thanks to the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, the women of lived experience at My Sisters' Place can now rely on an accessible and functional facility to call home. Our Government is committed to helping communities in southern Ontario deliver valuable support services, making them better places to live."

- Susan Truppe, Member of Parliament for London North Centre

Associated Links

Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund Program

My Sisters' Place

Canadian Mental Health Association Middlesex

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