Today, Anthony Housefather, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Mount Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, announced more than $7.9 million in federal funding for energy systems and accessibility upgrades to the Sylvan Adams Young Men's and Young Women's Hebrew Association Ben Weider Jewish Community Centre.
"The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA has been a cornerstone of Montreal's Jewish community for generations. This incredible institution also serves members of all communities and today, we are investing in its future - and that of its users. Between sports and culture and so much more the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA Ben Weider Jewish Community Centre is a key part of the Mount Royal riding and I am so happy it will be able to continue its legacy of service to our community in a more accessible, energy-efficient facility," said Anthony Housefather, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Member of Parliament for Mount Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.
"We wish to thank the federal government for its recognition of the Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA's positive contribution to the lives of many Montrealers. This funding represents an unprecedented investment by Ottawa and will directly support our mission of providing an inclusive environment for social, athletic, and learning activities. As an organization based on Jewish values, we are open to all people. A strong 'Y' strengthens all the communities we serve," says Tina Apfeld Rosenthal, president and board chair of the 'Y'.
The works will increase the energy efficiency of the Centre and provide savings that can be reinvested in improving services, making them more affordable and accessible.
These renovations, in addition to the introduction of new accessibility measures, will benefit all users but in particular will benefit people with special needs or physical disabilities. This project will also reduce the building's environmental footprint and contribute to achieving Canada's climate targets.
