Today, Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Dave Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Indigenous Affairs and Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure; and Her Worship, Lucy Kloosterhuis, Mayor of Oliver Paipoonge, announced joint funding for improvements to four community and recreation facilities in the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $69,000 toward these projects through the Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is contributing over $57,000, with the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge contributing over $46,000 toward these projects.
One project is the rehabilitation and improvement of the Nor West Arena. Work includes replacing portions of the standing seam metal roof, building side panels, and replacing the floor brine pump in the ice plant. As well the ice plant system will be evaluated to identify other components needing attention. These improvements mean that area residents will be able to participate in hockey, figure skating, and ringette programs and tournaments in a safer and more energy efficient facility. These upgrades will also improve the facility's performance and lengthen its lifespan.
Additional projects include roof and exterior repairs, and replacement of the HVAC unit at the Rosslyn Hall, and replacing the fire alarm control panel in Murillo Hall. Parking lot pavement and concrete at both facilities will also be rehabilitated. With these improvements, the Halls, widely used for a variety of activities and events, will be better able to serve the community. The Murillo and Rosslyn branches of the municipal library will also have accessible customer service counters installed, which will improve service for children and persons with physical disabilities.
All orders of government continue to work together for the people of Ontario to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province when they need it the most.
Quotes
"Investments in safe and modern recreation infrastructure are key to building healthy and resilient communities, while also strengthening community connections and providing valuable services. The rehabilitation of recreation facilities in Oliver Paipoonge mean that friends and families will have safe, energy efficient, and accessible places to gather and stay fit for decades to come. Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities."
Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"I am pleased to represent the Province of Ontario to acknowledge this investment to the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge. The importance of these infrastructure upgrades cannot be underestimated. These projects will help facilitate modern, safe, and accessible recreation infrastructure for the people of Oliver Paipoonge, which is critical to building healthy and resilient communities."
Dave Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Indigenous Affairs and Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure
"It is very challenging for municipalities like Oliver Paipoonge to find the resources needed to properly maintain our facilities. We are very thankful therefore to receive generous financial support from the Federal and Provincial Governments to undertake these rehabilitation projects. The Nor West Arena, Murillo Hall and Rosslyn Hall are cornerstones of community life in the Municipality and these improvements will do much to ensure these facilities can continue to serve the community."
Her Worship, Lucy Kloosterhuis, Mayor of Oliver Paipoonge
Quick facts
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Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
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Ontario is investing over $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green; rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure.
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Across Ontario, the Government of Canada has invested more than $8.2 billion in over 2,780 infrastructure projects.
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Across the province, and over the next ten years, Ontario is investing approximately $320 million, with Canada investing approximately $407 million, under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. This stream supports the construction of new facilities and upgrades to existing facilities that improve community infrastructure (community centres,libraries), and support upgrades to recreational venues (arenas, and both indoor and outdoor recreational spaces) and cultural spaces (theatres, museums).
