Canada – Labrador will benefit from investments in community infrastructure to help bring people back to public spaces safely

Shared public spaces such as community centres, sports clubs and trails are at the heart of communities across Canada. They draw in residents and visitors alike, supporting local businesses and jobs. In Labrador, 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.

Government of Canada fueling community revitalization and creating the conditions for local economies to thrive as they rebound from the effects of COVID-19

August 12, 2021 · Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Shared public spaces such as community centres, sports clubs and trails are at the heart of communities across Canada. They draw in residents and visitors alike, supporting local businesses and jobs. In Labrador, 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 Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, announced total investments of $462,597 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for 10 projects in Labrador. 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.

“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

“During the pandemic we may not have been able to gather in our communities, but we still felt the strength and support of our neighbours. Now is the time to improve our public spaces so they are ready for us to come together again. This Government of Canada investment in Labrador communities and organizations will help create a brighter future.”

–      Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador

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.

The fund helps communities:

adapt public spaces so that they can be used safely, and
build or improve community assets to encourage Canadians to re-engage in and explore their regions.

 

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.

The funding announced today is conditional on the signing of contribution agreements between the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Amaruk Golf and Sports Club Inc., Smokey Mountain Ski Club, Pinware Town Council, Snowbirds Gymnastics Club Inc., the Town of L’Anse au Clair, Melville Mantas Swim Club Inc., Basque Whalers Snowmobile Club, Indoor Play Labrador Inc., the Town of Mary’s Harbour and the Eastern Labrador Arts Alliance Inc.