Minister Gary Goodyear and Local Markham MPs Announce Important Investment Through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

MARKHAM, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 22, 2015) - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario); Paul Calandra, Member of Parliament for Oak Ridges-Markham; and Peter Kent, Member of Parliament for Thornhill, today announced that the City of Markham will receive funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.

The Harper Government has approved up to $950,000 for a total project cost of up to $1,900,000 for the rehabilitation of Veterans Square and the cenotaph in historic Markham Village. This important civic space will be revitalized into a vibrant, multi-functional site with a rehabilitated cenotaph and adjoining Veterans Square, dedicated to those from the Markham District who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom since 1867.

This announcement is one of many for projects approved through the Program 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

• During the rehabilitation project, local jobs will be created for Canadian artists, professionals, contractors and suppliers.
• Over the coming weeks, local announcements for projects approved through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will take place across southern Ontario.
• Projects have been 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

"Through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, our Government is demonstrating its continued support for communities across the country. I'm pleased that the Veterans Square and cenotaph will benefit residents here in Markham by providing a space for local, national and multicultural celebrations."

• The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

"Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians through investments in our communities. This project will not only improve an important community space, it will also create local jobs during its design and construction phases for Canadian artists, professionals, contractors and suppliers.

• Paul Calandra, Member of Parliament for Oak Ridges-Markham

"The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is ensuring residents in Markham have access to improved community spaces. Fostering a sense of pride, stewardship, and public engagement, this rehabilitated square will be a place to provide everyday quiet reflection, celebrate local accomplishments and histories, and commemorate the sacrifices of all who served Canada in times of war and peace."

• Peter Kent, Member of Parliament for Thornhill

"The rehabilitation of Markham's Cenotaph and new Veterans Square will provide a revitalized, vibrant and multifunctional space to honour Markham Veterans that made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada. Markham's many annual Remembrance Day Ceremonies will be greatly enhanced as a result. This project will help in our efforts to ensure the memory of our Veterans and their sacrifice is preserved. I wish to extend our sincere thanks to the Government of Canada for their generous support of this important initiative."

• Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of the City of Markham

Associated Links

FedDev Ontario - Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

City of Markham

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