Fort Providence Celebrates the Completion of New Cultural Arbour

FORT PROVIDENCE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES--(Marketwired - Aug. 17, 2016) - Infrastructure Canada

Investing in Canada's public infrastructure helps to better meet the needs of Canadians, strengthen the economy and build the Canada of the 21st century. Investing in cultural infrastructure plays a key role in developing welcoming and dynamic communities that celebrate Canada's diverse heritage.

The Hamlet of Fort Providence recently built a new Cultural Arbour to elevate community spirit and celebrate the culture, traditions and arts of the people of Fort Providence and the surrounding area. The project was fully funded by the community's federal Gas Tax Fund allocation.

Designed to reflect the community's values and Métis and First Nation traditions, the new arbour will create a central family-focused hub for cultural activities and celebrations. With its circular shape and covered seating for approximately 600 people, the arbour will serve as an anchor for the community's cultural and recreational opportunities. It will also attract visitors to the region and support local economic growth.

Celebrating the grand opening today were Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Michael Nadli, Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories for Deh Cho, His Worship Samuel Gargan, Mayor of the Hamlet of Fort Providence, Joachim Bonnetrouge, Chief of the Deh Gáh Got'ie First Nation, and Clifford McLeod, President of the Fort Providence Métis Council.

Each year, the Government of Canada provides over $15 million in indexed funding for local government infrastructure projects across the Northwest Territories through the federal Gas Tax Fund. The funding can be spent on any eligible project the community prioritizes across a broad range of eligible project categories, or it can be pooled with other communities for regional projects, banked for later priorities or used to pay for financed projects.

Quotes

"We've been without a traditional gathering place for cultural celebrations in Fort Providence for many years, so I am proud to mark the completion of this important piece of community infrastructure. The arbour will not only create an important focal point where residents and visitors alike can celebrate unique traditions, art and culture of Fort Providence, it will also contribute to economic growth in the area."

- Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The Fort Providence Cultural Arbour demonstrates investment in our community infrastructure and represents the working partnership between the Fort Providence Combined Council Alliance, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Government of Canada. I am pleased with the collaborative relationship that has resulted in this beautiful gathering place that will bring residents and visitors together for many years to come."

- The Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

"The Hamlet of Fort Providence recognizes the importance and benefits of having infrastructure such as a Cultural Arbour, which will serve as a central location for the gathering of residents and visitors, and will provide opportunities to host events and support the traditional practices of residents. We are proud of this new facility and appreciate the federal investment to support cultural infrastructure development in our community."

- His Worship Samuel Gargan, Mayor of the Hamlet of Fort Providence

Associated links

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $120 billion infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/index-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in the Northwest Territories: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/nt-eng.html

The federal Gas Tax Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html

The New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html

Have your say on infrastructure: www.infraconsults.ca

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada