August 10, 2021 · St. John's, NL, 2021 · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Shared public spaces such as community gardens, outdoor recreation spaces and arenas are at the heart of communities across Canada. They draw in residents and visitors alike, supporting local businesses and jobs. In St. John's and nearby communities, as in so many places across Canada, these spaces have seen a significant reduction in use as Canadians took precautions to stay safe from COVID-19.
The Government of Canada recognizes that Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.
Today the Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John's South-Mount Pearl, announced total investments of more than $282,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for three projects in St. John's and the surrounding area. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for ACOA.
For the full list of projects, please see backgrounder.
The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The Fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. As public health restrictions ease, the Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This in turn will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.
Quotes
"Through investments like these, our government is supporting economic development in communities of every size, in every region. We have helped put small- and medium-sized businesses on the road to recovery. Now it's time to invest in the shared public spaces that will safely bring people together and help communities grow and thrive well into the future."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Our communities are where our hearts are. These are the places where we grow, laugh and enjoy year after year. It's wonderful to see the Government of Canada investing in places like these, where we can safely gather, helping bring us joy."
- The Honourable Seamus O'Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John's South-Mount Pearl
Quick facts
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Launched in June 2021, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) provides $500 million over two years to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces, helping to create the conditions and accessibility to stimulate local economies and bring Canadians back together once it is safe to do so.
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The fund helps communities:
o adapt public spaces so that they can be used safely, and
o build or improve community assets to encourage Canadians to re-engage in and explore their regions.
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Canada's regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery in the region. Application intake is now open in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, Jobs and Growth Fund, Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative and Tourism Relief Fund.
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The funding announced today is conditional on the signing of contribution agreements between the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Stella Burry Community Services Inc., Bay Bulls Bauline Athletic Association Inc. and Goulds Arena Association Inc.
