BLIND BAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/13/13 -- Today, Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Shuswap, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for upgrades to the Cedar Heights Community Centre under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
"By improving facilities such as this, we are helping to boost economic activity while improving local infrastructure," said MP Mayes. "With today's investment, our Government is demonstrating our commitment to creating jobs, growth and long-term economic prosperity."
The Harper Government's investment of $166,475 will expand the Cedar Heights Community Centre with the addition of wheelchair accessible washrooms, a kitchen, a storage room and mobility-friendly staircase. The funds will also be used to reconfigure the lobby, office, and storage areas, as well as upgrade the roof, sound and HVAC systems. These improvements will make the centre accessible for people of all abilities and provide greater recreational experiences for the community.
"On behalf of the Cedar Heights Community Association, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for this important federal government investment in our community," said Jean-Luc Desgroseilliers, Vice-President of the Cedar Heights Community Association. "The Cedar Heights Community Centre has been a local hub of social, recreational and educational activities for over 36 years. This funding will allow us to proceed with much needed facility renovations and accessibility upgrades. This assistance is also a tangible recognition of the dedication of the numerous volunteers who support the Association and Community Centre (over 7,200 volunteer hours in 2012). As a result, we will be able to much better serve our community and meet the needs of our increasing number of programs and activities."
In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.
Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
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Contacts:
Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
604-666-1318
Jean-Luc Desgroseilliers
Vice President
Cedar Heights Community Association
Blind Bay, British Columbia
250-675-5460
WD Toll-Free Number: 1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca
