Ministers Goodyear and Nicholson Make First Announcement through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 21, 2015) - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

FedDev Ontario Minister Gary Goodyear and Foreign Affairs Minister and Niagara Falls MP Rob Nicholson announced today that the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake will receive up to $144,322 for a total project cost of up to $433,400 for the renovation of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library.

The project includes accessibility upgrades throughout the interior of the building, the creation of new spaces such as a multi-purpose room, study space, and a children's puppet theatre, as well as electrical and technology upgrades. These building improvements will allow the library to meet the information and literacy needs of more community members now and in the future.

This marks the first announcement of many projects that will improve and preserve community spaces across southern Ontario. The national Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is providing $150 million over two years, beginning April 1, 2016, to support projects that rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing public infrastructure for communities. It is part of the Harper Government's activities to honour Canada's 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships and modernize existing community facilities.

The Government of Canada's contribution is contingent on the execution of a contribution agreement with the recipient.

Quick Facts

• Over the coming weeks, local announcements for projects approved through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will take place across southern Ontario.
• Projects were selected based on program criteria, including the extent to which funding was leveraged from other sources, construction-readiness, and linkages to Canada 150.
• The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is one of several infrastructure-related initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken to generate well-being and prosperity in communities across Canada.
• It builds on FedDev Ontario's delivery of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund and the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program in Ontario, which represented a federal investment of more than $225 million and supported more than 1,180 projects.

Quotes

"The 150^th anniversary of Confederation is a time to celebrate the places across this great country that unite and connect us - the parks, the trails, the cultural and community centres. Our Government is proud to support the lasting impact that the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will have in southern Ontario, and will ensure residents, such as those here in Niagara-on-the-Lake, have access to improved community spaces."

- The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (FedDev Ontario)

"I'm particularly pleased to see the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library will undertake renovations to improve community access. Founded in 1800, it is officially recognized as the first circulating library in Upper Canada. For over 200 years, it has served this community and with the financial support of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, it will continue to do so for years to come."

- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls

"On behalf of Town Council and residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake, we thank the Canadian government, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, for its support of our Library. As the first capital of Upper Canada, we appreciate the support of this and other projects within our community, which celebrate our nation's proud heritage as we greet the 150th anniversary of Confederation."

- Pat Darte, Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake

"It is fitting the announcement of our Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program funding for library renovations coincides with the 200^th anniversary of the reopening of the library after the War of 1812 and that the work will be completed to coincide with 150th anniversary of Confederation. This library has always been at the forefront of change and innovation to meet the community's needs, while still retaining traditional services, and this project will help us maintain that standard of excellence bequeathed to us by our forebearers."

- Andrew Porteus, Chair of Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library Board

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