Canada and Quebec support rehabilitation of the Old Rectory in Batiscan

BATISCAN, QC, July 27, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize that cultural infrastructure plays a key role in developing dynamic communities and promoting Canadian and Quebec heritage.

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Pierre-Michel Auger, Member of the National Assembly for Champlain, today announced that the governments of Canada and Quebec will each invest close to $10,000 in the rehabilitation of the Old Rectory in Batiscan.

This financial support comes from the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—Small Communities Fund. The Old Rectory will also invest close to $10,000, bringing the total government and municipal investment to nearly $30,000.

The project consists of repainting the roof to protect and preserve the building's heritage features. External lighting will also be improved to help the organization raise the visibility of the site to passersby. Once the work is completed, the Old Rectory will be able to continue providing visitors with a space to explore the rural culture and history of the Mauricie region during the 19th century.

Quotes

"Investing in cultural infrastructures helps build strong communities and support local economic growth. The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in the rehabilitation of the Old Rectory, which will help protect Batiscan's cultural heritage while boosting tourism and the quality of life for Mauricie residents for years to come."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"This interpretive site, designated a heritage site under the Cultural Heritage Act, is a source of pride for our community and a strong tourist attraction. It is wonderfully preserved, which allows us to relive former days in the beautiful landscapes of rural Mauricie. With this investment, we are preserving the magnificent heritage that ensures Mauricie's reputation as a place of history and culture."

Pierre-Michel Auger, MNA for Champlain, on behalf of Marie Montpetit, Minister of Culture and Communications, and Minister Responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language

Quick Facts

• The Small Communities Fund is a federal‒provincial program coordinated by Infrastructure Canada in partnership with the provinces and territories. In Quebec, the Fund is administered by the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. The goal of this program is to provide financial support to Canadian municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents to develop infrastructure that enhance their cultural, sports, recreational, and tourism assets or safeguard public assets.
• The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities. $25.3 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• Quebec's 2018-2028 Infrastructure Plan calls for nearly $7.3 billion in investments in municipal infrastructure under the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. When combined with contributions from the Government of Canada and municipalities, this means over $14.3 billion will be invested in municipal infrastructure in Quebec over this period.

Associated Links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html

Quebec cultural heritage directory:
http://www.patrimoine-culturel.gouv.qc.ca/rpcq/detail.do?methode=consulter&id=92708&type=bien#.W1Hu2UdLGUk

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Website: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Tel.: [phone]; Mathieu Larouche, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister Responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language, Tel.: [phone]; For information: Infrastructure Canada, Tel.: 613‑960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Media Relations Team, Communications Branch, Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and the Department of Public Safety, Tel.: [phone], ext. 3746

Related Links

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/