Canada and Quebec support the Bic Library relocation project in Rimouski

RIMOUSKI, QC, Aug. 1, 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, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Jean D'Amour, Minister for Maritime Affairs and the Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region, today announced that the governments of Canada and Quebec will each invest over $250,000 to move the Bic Library into the City's former presbytery.

This financial support comes from the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—Small Communities Fund. The City of Rimouski will also invest more than $250,000, bringing the total government and municipal investment to over $752,000.

The work involves renovating two floors within the former presbytery, expanding a section to allow for the construction of an elevator, adding a ramp to provide access to the building's exterior, and reconstructing the stairs at the back of the building. This new location will ensure the library has adequate space to serve the neighbourhood. In addition to preserving the presbytery, the City of Rimouski hopes to create a space for gathering and entertainment that will encourage citizens to adopt an inclusive and diverse cultural lifestyle.

Citations

"Investing in cultural infrastructures helps build strong communities and support local economic growth. The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in this project, which will enable the City of Rimouski to enhance its cultural offerings while preserving an important local heritage site. Residents will benefit from better services thanks to the library's new home, which will make it more accessible, lively and modern."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The financial assistance announced today will enable the Bic Library to re-establish itself in a superb heritage building and acquire new state-of-the-art equipment. The Government of Québec is proud to support communities by promoting the maintenance quality infrastructure and providing the public with better access to culture in all regions of Québec."  

Jean D'Amour, Minister for Maritime Affairs and the Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region, on behalf of Marie Montpetit, Minister of Culture and Communications, and Minister Responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language

"This relocation will enable citizens to benefit from increased space and improved services. The presbytery is located in the heart of the village and I am confident that the library's presence there will contribute to the neighbourhood's vitality and play a major role in preserving our city's heritage."

Dave Dumas, Deputy Mayor of the City of Rimouski

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

Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

Contacts: Kate Monfette, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]; 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]; Véronique Michaud, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister for Maritime Affairs, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]; 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/