Government of Canada Invests Over $994K in Improvements to Community Infrastructure in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Français
The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) funding helps local and Indigenous communities improve their amenities.
FORT MCMURRAY, AB, May 25, 2017 /CNW/ - One year after the devastating wildfires in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the Government of Canada is pleased to support valued infrastructure improvements in the region. Four municipal projects will receive a combined investment of $994,458 through the Government of Canada's Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, made the announcement during a visit to Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Project improvements include renovations to the Anzac Community Centre, upgrades to the community arena in Fort McKay, construction of a community pavilion on the Métis cultural grounds in Fort McMurray, and the renovation of a Quonset at Gregoire Lake.
The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is part of Canada 150 Celebrates, the Government of Canada's celebration of our country's 150th anniversary of Confederation. Budget 2016 provided an additional $150 million over two years to Canada's Regional Development Agencies to deliver further community funding across the country, starting in 2016-17, with Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) being responsible for administering the program in Western Canada.
Through investments in community infrastructure, the Government of Canada is investing in projects that seek to renovate, expand, and improve existing community infrastructure, with a focus on positive impacts on Indigenous communities, local recreational facilities, and projects that advance a clean growth economy.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing recreational and cultural infrastructure to benefit Indigenous communities and promote a clean growth economy. These projects will leave a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed for generations to come."
- David Lametti, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Member of Parliament for LaSalle-Émard-Verdun
"Community infrastructure helps bring people together and supports the well-being of residents. Investments like these contribute to the strength and resilience of our region."
- Melissa Blake, Mayor, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
"We thank the Government of Canada for their support through the 'Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.' The renovation of our Quonset will allow for our Community to come together and provide a safe, healthy environment for our members. I am especially excited for our Elders to have space to meet and help teach our Youth traditional classes such as beading, language classes and other community activities."
- Chief Ron Kreutzer, Fort McMurray #468 First Nation
"Music and dance is a very important part of the Métis culture. Having a place of our own to celebrate, both local and regional, Métis events will have a significant impact on the community of Fort McKay. We thank the Government of Canada for supporting this worthwhile initiative."
- Dwayne Roth, Acting Chief Administrative Officer of the Fort McKay Métis Community Association
Backgrounder
Government of Canada Invests Over $994,000 in Improvements to Community Infrastructure in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
May 25, 2017 – Fort McMurray, Alberta – Western Economic Diversification Canada
The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) is part of Canada 150 Celebrates, the Government of Canada's celebration of our country's 150th anniversary of Confederation.
Budget 2016 provided an additional $150 million over two years to Canada's Regional Development Agencies to invest in local improvements to communities across the country, starting in 2016-17. $46.2 million was allocated for projects across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba). Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is responsible for administering the program in the West.
CIP 150 supports projects seeking to renovate, expand, and improve existing community infrastructure. Priority was given to projects that upgrade recreational facilities, advance a clean growth economy, and have a positive impact on Indigenous communities and peoples.
Today's announcement is for four CIP 150 projects in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo area:
| Proponent |
Project Description |
Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program |
| Fort McKay First Nation |
Upgrade the community arena in Fort McKay |
$135,576 |
| Fort McKay Métis Community Association |
Construct a community pavilion on the Métis cultural grounds in Fort McMurray |
$333,882 |
| Fort McMurray #468 First Nation |
Renovate a Quonset currently being used as storage space into a multipurpose community facility |
$325,000 |
| Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo |
Renovate the Anzac Community Centre |
$200,000 |
| TOTAL PROJECT FUNDING |
$994,458 |
|
Additional Links
- Government of Canada Announces Support for Community Infrastructure in Alberta
- Backgrounder: The 150th Anniversary of Confederation in 2017
Follow us on Twitter: @WD_Canada, @canada150th, @MinisterISED, @RMWoodBuffalo
WD Homepage
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388
IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.
SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada
Donna Kinley, Regional Communications Manager, Western Economic Diversification Canada, 780-902-2984, [email protected]; Nicole Power, Communication Strategist, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, 780-799-8671, [email protected]; Cindy Miller, Band Manager, Fort McMurray #468 First Nation, Office: 780-334-2293, 780-742-7503, [email protected]; Jauvonne Kitto, Executive Director, Fort McKay First Nation, 403-710-4479, [email protected]; Contessa Short, Operations & Safety Manager, Fort McKay Metis Community Association, 780-828-4581, [email protected]
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