Yellowknife and Hay River families will benefit from improved community spaces for a better quality of life Français
$450,000 from the Government of Canada supports two projects
YELLOWKNIFE, Jan. 29, 2018 /CNW/ - Yellowknife and Hay River families will benefit from essential infrastructure upgrades as well as the improvement and construction of safer places for their children and themselves to play, socialize and exercise as a result of $450,000 from the Government of Canada.
The funding was announced today by Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).
The funding supports two projects, one allowing for upgrades to Yellowknife's McMahon Frame Lake Trail and the other one providing for infrastructure improvements in downtown Hay River. Yellowknife's predominant biking and recreational trail, McMahon Frame Lake Trail, has been widened by one metre and resurfaced to better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. The upgrades to the trail have also provided a safer and more welcoming environment for tourists keen to discover the area.
In anticipation of co-hosting the Arctic Winter Games in March 2018, essential structural and aesthetic improvements will be realised through directional signage, waste management equipment, outdoor lighting and leisure spaces in Hay River. With new sidewalks and banners in place, there will also be benches, bike racks and public art providing a warm welcome to Arctic athletes and tourists alike – showcasing the town's potential as an event host venue.
This investment is being allocated under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, a $300-million fund that was established to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday through investments in the community spaces that bring Canadians together. Of that amount, up to $12.8 million is being invested across Canada's three territories.
Quotes
"This investment is a community-building project to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary. And there's no better way to mark this milestone than to celebrate the places that bring us together—the places that allow us to stay fit, unwind and connect with our friends and neighbours. That's how we establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the world. The values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians are forged in our community spaces."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor
"We are proud to see these two essential, community-focused projects being implemented here in the Northwest Territories. These investments not only provide crucial and important infrastructure upgrades in our communities but they help us better serve the needs and concerns of both residents and visitors alike."
- Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories
"The widening of the McMahon Frame Lake Trail was made possible through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program which benefits both residents and visitors to Yellowknife. The trail is used year-round and is a valuable City of Yellowknife asset."
- Mark Heyck, Mayor, City of Yellowknife
"The Town of Hay River has completed many downtown beautification projects funded in partnership with the Government of Canada's Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. An 8' x 12' Canada 150 mosaic of local iconic images was created with participation from over 500 residents of all ages. Our Town is also now showcasing 72 colorful banners depicting local photos and arctic winter games images adding both color and interest to the downtown area. Working together with the federal government has allowed our Town to undertake projects that create pride in community and help make our Town an attractive destination for visitors."
- Brad Mapes, Mayor, Town of Hay River
Quick Facts
- In addition to CanNor's investment of $150,000, the City of Yellowknife contributed $50,000 to the trail's renovations. The total funding amount for this project is $200,000.
- The Town of Hay River is investing $120,000 of its own funding to the upgrades, renovations and recreational additions, along with CanNor's investment of $300,000. The total funding amount for this project is $420,000.
Associated Links
CanNor – Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @ISED_CA
SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Karl W. Sasseville, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, 343-291-2500; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 343-291-1777, [email protected]; Media Relations, CanNor, Northwest Territories Region, 867-669-2592, [email protected]; Richard McIntosh, Communications Officer, City of Yellowknife, 867.669.3424, [email protected]; Judy Goucher, Senior Administrative Officer, Town of Hay River, 867-874-6522, [email protected]
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