Feds commit more than $.75 million for Castlegar infrastructure
By Castlegar Source
The West Kootenay Regional Airport is set to get more than $600,000 for runway maintenance equipment and systems, the Complex gets $100,000 for a new boiler and the Doukhobor Discovery Centre will receive more than $60,000 for renovations.
The federal grant funding was announced at two separate events today, one at the airport and one at the complex, by Minister of State John Duncan.
City councillor Kevin Chernoff was in attendance, and said this is terrific news for Castlegar and for the region.
“It’s nice to see some federal recognition of our community, and an understanding of important this infrastructure is for the area,” Chernoff said.
Duncan’s office issued the following press release:
Today, the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for the two projects benefitting the Castlegar area under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
“Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our communities across Canada,” said Minister Duncan. “By making these investments in local infrastructure, we are helping boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians.”
The Harper Government’s investment of over $160,000 has upgraded two important community facilities in Castlegar: the Castlegar District Aquatic Centre, and the Castlegar Doukhobor Discovery Centre. An investment of 100,000 went towards the replacement of the hot water boiler and renovations to the roof at the Aquatic Centre, and an investment of $68,000 allowed the Discovery Centre to renovate its drywall, cupboards, and flooring.
“With the investment of $100,000 in our Recreation and Aquatic Centre, the Federal Government is providing tangible support to its commitment in creating growth and long term prosperity in our community,” said City of Castlegar Mayor Lawrence Chernoff. “The Castlegar and District Recreation and Aquatic Centre provides a significant contribution to the health and enjoyment of our residents.
“We are equally pleased at the generous support offered by the Federal Government in support of our Doukhobor Discovery Centre. The Discovery Centre is a cultural feature unique to our region and the Federal Government’s commitment of $68,000 to needed renovations at the Discovery Centre will ensure that our proud chapter of Doukhobor settlement and growth will continue to be displayed in a unique and inviting manner where visitors can see first-hand how the Doukhobor’s came and settled in our region.”
“We are very appreciative of the funding being made available to the Discovery Centre for much needed upgrades. This will go a long way to addressing some safety issues as well as enhancing the visual appeal of the Doukhobor Village to our many visitors,” said Peter Perepolkin, Chair of the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society.
In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.
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.
