Minister Goodyear and MP Lizon Announce Important Investment for Mississauga's Polish Community

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 23, 2015) - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and Wladyslaw Lizon, Member of Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville, today announced that the Maximilian Kolbe Foundation will receive funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.

The Harper Government has approved two rehabilitation projects for the John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre. The Foundation will receive up to $43,517 for a total project cost of up to $130,550 to renovate the Centre's Grand Hall. For the second project, the Foundation will receive up to $25,410, for a total project cost of up to $77,000, to improve the HVAC system and repair the exterior wall. These projects will result in decreased operational and maintenance costs. They will also provide a safe, modernized and comfortable environment for the Centre's patrons and an attractive venue for hosting cultural events.

This announcement is one of many for projects approved through the Program that will improve and preserve community spaces across southern Ontario. The national Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is providing $150 million over two years, beginning April 1, 2016, to support projects that rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing public infrastructure for communities. It is part of the Harper Government's activities to honour Canada's 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships and modernize existing community facilities.

The Government of Canada's contribution is contingent on the execution of a contribution agreement with the recipient.

Quick Facts

• The John Paul II Cultural Centre serves thousands of people and many interest groups on an annual basis, playing a key role in the life of the Polish community in the GTA and adding to the diverse cultural fabric of Canadian society.
• Over the coming weeks, local announcements for projects approved through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will take place across southern Ontario.
• Projects have been selected based on program criteria, including the extent to which funding was leveraged from other sources, construction-readiness, and linkages to Canada 150.
• The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is one of several infrastructure-related initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken to generate well-being and prosperity in communities across Canada.
• It builds on FedDev Ontario's delivery of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund and the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program in Ontario, which represented a federal investment of more than $225 million and supported more than 1,180 projects.

Quotes

"Our Government, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, is demonstrating its continued support for communities across the country. I'm delighted that the rehabilitation of the John Paul II Cultural Centre's Grand Hall will provide a safe, modernized and comfortable venue for its patrons."

- The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

"Our Government is committed to investment in our cities and our communities. The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will preserve and improve our community infrastructure, so that Canadians and their families can enjoy moments of culture, sport, recreation and leisure for years to come. I am proud to see my community benefit from this program."

- Wladyslaw Lizon, Member of Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville

"On behalf of The Maximilian Kolbe Foundation, The John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre, and the Mississauga Polish community, we thank the Canadian government, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, for its support of our Polish Cultural Centre. It is because of great government programs such as these that communities can grow, share cultures and traditions, and become part of the ever growing Canadian culture and tradition that we as Canadians are very proud of. We appreciate the support of this, and other projects within our community, which celebrate our nation's proud heritage as we greet the 150^th anniversary of Confederation."

- Ted Fujarczuk, President, Maximilian Kolbe Foundation/The John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre

Associated Links

FedDev Ontario - Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre Mississauga

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