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Harper Government Invests in Improvements to Merritt's Community Infrastructure
MERRITT, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Nov 15, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --
Today, Dan Albas, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla, on
behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western
Economic Diversification, announced federal support for upgrades to
the Merritt Civic Centre under the Harper Government's Community
Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
"Modernization of the Merritt Civic Centre will improve the safety of
the facility and enhance local community services," said MP Albas.
"This will strengthen the local tourism industry, which will lead to
increased capacity for our hotels and businesses."
The federal investment of over $128,000 will help the City replace
the lighting system, upgrade the main electrical system, replace the
rooftop unit, install an A/V system, restore the flooring and walls,
and enhance the kitchen facilities to a commercial catering level.
"The City of Merritt is very appreciative of the support received
from this program. We believe this will benefit both Merritt and the
region for years to come," said City of Merritt Mayor Susan Roline.
"We now have the potential to impact the ability to safely provide
programs to the citizens of Merritt and region, while at the same
time providing widespread economic development within the region
impacting hotels, motels, restaurants, service industries and
volunteer organizations."
CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to
existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. Western
Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the Fund in
Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years.
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.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
Follow us on Twitter at @WD_Canada
A stronger West. A stronger Canada.
IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE
ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL
PREVAIL.
BACKGROUNDER
Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund
Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), the
Harper Government has committed to supporting communities and
creating jobs through repairs and improvements to existing community
facilities over the next two years. The Fund is being delivered by
the regional development agencies across Canada. In Western Canada,
Western Economic Diversification is delivering over $46 million
towards eligible projects.
The construction of new infrastructure and repairs to facilities that
are primarily for commercial or for-profit activities are ineligible.
Facilities must be accessible for use by the public and not limited
to a private membership. All projects are required to be completed by
March 31, 2014.
Organizations eligible to apply for funding under CIIF include:
-- local or regional governments or related agencies;
-- provincial entities that provide municipal-type services to communities;
-- non-profit organizations; and
-- First Nation governments, including Band or Tribal Councils or their
legally-designated representatives.
Examples of the type of community infrastructure that can be supported
under CIIF include:
-- community centres;
-- cultural centres;
-- parks;
-- libraries;
-- recreational facilities (e.g. local arenas, swimming pools, sports
fields, and other types of recreational facilities);
-- tourism facilities having a local impact; and
-- other existing community infrastructure assets which have a local
community impact such as connectivity and broadband and local airports.
Please refer to the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund website
for more information.
Contacts:
Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
604-666-1318
Jaime.burke@wd-deo.gc.ca
James Umpherson
Economic Development Officer
City of Merritt
250-378-4224
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
SOURCE: Western Economic Diversification Canada
mailto:Jaime.burke@wd-deo.gc.ca
http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca
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