Today, Jennifer O'Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, announced federal funding for two green community infrastructure projects in Pickering.
"Quality community and recreational infrastructure is vital to our community's well-being and development. Our government's funding will showcase our region's proud history while providing residents with a place to hold community events and programming for years to come," said Jennifer O'Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.
"On behalf of the City of Pickering, its Members of Council, and residents, I sincerely thank the Government of Canada for investing $17M towards new, green community infrastructure in Pickering," said Mayor Dave Ryan. "Pickering is home to many significant heritage-based communities, facilities, and programs. This funding will help support exciting and meaningful projects, that will bring our community together, while showcasing Pickering's historic roots in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner."
Funding will support the construction of the new 44,000 square foot, net zero-ready Pickering Heritage and Community Centre that will include a community theatre and a museum that will house community exhibits. The facility will host new and improved recreation and leisure programming for the community as well as library services. Once complete, it will be an important community hub where residents can connect.
Additional funding will support green retrofits to the Redman House Program Centre. The work will include energy efficiency upgrades to both mechanical and electrical components of the existing facility, as well as accessibility improvements that include the replacement of the ramp and renovations to the washrooms. This project will allow the centre to continue to provide important visitor and volunteer services at the Pickering Museum Village.
