Canada – Canada and Ontario invest more than $1.6 million in municipal infrastructure to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 

Sep 1, 2021 | International

Today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; and Dave Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough—Kawartha, announced joint support to improve recreational facilities, municipal buildings, and a shoreline rehabilitation project.

Peterborough, Ontario, August 13, 2021—The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing more than $1.6 million to protect the health and well-being of residents in six communities across Ontario.

Today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; and Dave Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough—Kawartha, announced joint support to improve recreational facilities, municipal buildings, and a shoreline rehabilitation project.

Communities across Canada are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and need immediate assistance to ensure their public infrastructure is safe and reliable.

That is why both orders of government have been taking decisive action to support families, businesses and communities, and continue to look ahead to see what more can be done in these unprecedented times.

The Government of Canada is investing over $1.2 million in Ontario communities through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Ontario is contributing more than $323,000.

Investments in the City of Peterborough will upgrade the HVAC system at the Sports and Wellness Centre by replacing the dehumidification unit. These improvements will provide better ventilation throughout the facility for clients and staff to enjoy year-round.

The remainder of funding will support the rehabilitation of the shoreline in the Town of Goderich by installing a retaining wall to provide better protection against shoreline erosion along Lake Huron; high-speed broadband internet will be installed in the municipal office in the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry for the benefit of staff and visitors; the town soccer clubhouse will undergo repairs in the City of Thorold; and upgrades will be made to the municipal office, firehall and library in the Village of Newberry. Furthermore, funding will support new sidewalks and a new crosswalk on Inglis Street in the Township of North Dumfries.

The COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, implemented in response to the pandemic, allows the Government of Canada to invest up to 80 per cent of eligible costs for projects in provinces, and up to 100 per cent for projects in territories and Indigenous communities. The Province of Ontario will invest 20 per cent of the eligible costs for projects across the province.  

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the health and well-being of all Canadians. Now more than ever, we understand the need to support our municipalities so that they can maintain their assets in order to continue providing access to quality programming and essential services. That’s why we’re investing over $1.2 million – 80 cents on every dollar of total funding – through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream to improve recreational facilities, connectivity, and essential infrastructure in six communities across Southern and Eastern Ontario. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities 

“Reliable municipal infrastructure is critical to keeping communities in Ontario safe and prosperous. Providing funding for these six important projects will have a meaningful impact on the families and individuals in those communities. Investing in Ontario’s towns and municipalities helps to maintain the physical and mental health of our residents. As we recover from the impacts of COVID-19, these investments are more important now than ever.”

The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure

“These repairs and upgrades in six municipalities will improve the health and safety of the important places where our communities gather together. As we emerge from the pandemic, it is more important than ever that we ensure the lifespan of municipal infrastructure is maintained, so that it can be enjoyed now and in the years to come.”

Dave Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough—Kawartha

“We are grateful that the Sports & Wellness Center Rehabilitation Project has been selected as one of 6 projects receiving funding through Infrastructure Canada. This funding will support improvements that will serve families in Peterborough for many years to come.”

Diane Therrien, Mayor, City of Peterborough

Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure 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.

The Government of Canada has invested over $14.4 billion in more than 3,900 infrastructure projects across Ontario under the Investing in Canada plan.

Ontario is investing $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure.

Through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, over $3 billion is available to provide provinces and territories with added flexibility to fund quick-start, short-term projects.

To support Canadians and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program now includes a COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories.

The COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream funding stream guarantees a minimum of $100,000 to each of the province’s 444 municipalities. Additional funding has been allocated to municipalities based on a variety of factors, including the value of infrastructure and median household income in each municipality.

Across Canada, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the Government of Canada has contributed $9.7 billion to 3,500 infrastructure projects.

Across the province and over the next 10 years, Ontario is investing approximately $320 million and Canada is 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 (e.g., community centres, libraries), recreational venues (e.g., arenas, recreational spaces) and cultural spaces (e.g., theatres, museums).  

Emelyana Titarenko

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

873-355-9576

emelyana.titarenko@infc.gc.ca

Hayley Cooper

Press Secretary

Office of the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure

437-233-3224

hayley.cooper@ontario.ca

Sofia Sousa-Dias

Communications Branch

Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure

437-991-3391

sofia.sousa-dias@ontario.ca

Ashley Webster

Assistant to the Mayor

City of Peterborough

705-742-7777 extension 1870

awebster@peterborough.ca

Canada – Canada, Ontario and partners invest over $27.6 million to improve community, culture, and active transportation infrastructure in Toronto

Aug 24, 2021 | International

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Member of Parliament for Scarborough Southwest, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Adam Vaughan, Member of Parliament for Spadina—Fort York; Marci Ien, Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre; the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; the Honourable Rod Phillips, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care; and His Worship John Tory, Mayor of the City of Toronto, announced joint funding for 14 projects to improve cultural, community, and active transportation infrastructure across the City.

Toronto, Ontario, August 13, 2021—Across the country, Canadians are feeling the impacts of COVID-19, on their families, their livelihoods, and their way of life. Together, Canada and Ontario are working to enhance citizens’ quality of life, meet the needs of communities, and promote job creation and make meaningful investments to address the impacts of COVID-19.

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Member of Parliament for Scarborough Southwest, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Adam Vaughan, Member of Parliament for Spadina—Fort York; Marci Ien, Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre; the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Etobicoke Centre; the Honourable Rod Phillips, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Ajax; and His Worship John Tory, Mayor of the City of Toronto, announced joint funding for 14 projects to improve cultural, community, and active transportation infrastructure across the City. 

The Government of Canada is investing more than $13.6 million in these projects through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (CVRIS), and the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $8.3 million, with recipients contributing over $5.6 million towards their respective projects.

Among projects funded through CVRIS are eight components of the City of Toronto’s Ravine Strategy to improve the City’s active transportation infrastructure. Project work includes the construction of a new connection from Meadoway Trail to Highland Creek Trail, as well as upgrades to trails through Taylor Creek Park and Rowntree Mills Park, including trail reconstruction and site drainage. Additional work involves a new trail wayfinding signage in ravines at the East Don Trail, Upper Highland Trail, Meadoway and Upper Black Creek. Finally, upgrades to existing entry points at approximately seven ravines across the city, including Edwards Gardens, will improve community access to green spaces.

The Toronto Ravine Strategy project will increase access to public and private greenspace. This will provide residents with accessible and reliable trail systems and outdoor spaces to help them maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while staying safe.

Other projects funded through CVRIS will support important upgrades to HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), humidifiers, and heating systems in long-term care homes across the city, providing residents with a more comfortable living environment. These investments will also improve the safety of homes for both residents and long-term care workers.

Funding announced today will also support improvements to community, cultural and recreation facilities throughout the city, such as the rehabilitation of the Don Montgomery Community Centre, improving accessibility and quality of visitor experience at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre; renovations to the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, and improved accessibility at the Toronto Zoo.

Once complete, the projects announced today will provide all Torontonians with safer access to quality, cultural and recreational facilities, encouraging families and friends to reconnect, stay active, and enjoy the abundant cultural experiences throughout the city.  

The COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, implemented in response to the pandemic, allows the Government of Canada to invest up to 80 per cent of eligible costs for projects in provinces, and up to 100 per cent for projects in territories and Indigenous communities. The Government of Ontario will invest 20 per cent of the eligible costs for projects across the province.  

“Investments in local infrastructure are critical to the wellbeing of our communities. Today’s announcement of over $2 million to the Don Montgomery Community Recreation Centre in Scarborough Southwest through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream, and nearly $12 million for 13 other projects across the City of Toronto, will assist with facility rehabilitation costs and help ensure that the residents of Scarborough and Toronto have places to gather for years to come.”

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Scarborough Southwest, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Recreation and cultural spaces are at the heart of inclusive, sustainable, and welcoming communities where people want to live, work and raise a family. Together with our partners, we are supporting improvements to 14 projects that will provide residents of Toronto with accessible, safe, and modern recreation and cultural spaces where they can stay fit, explore local heritage, or enjoy a range of cultural activities.”

Adam Vaughan, Member of Parliament for Spadina—Fort York

“Now more than ever Canadians rely on access to safe and modern community spaces so they can stay active, connect with loved ones, and maintain their well-being. Our government’s support for Toronto’s Ravine Strategy project is important to ensuring Torontonians have improved access to the trails and parks they value, while also providing alternative transpiration options for residents and visitors for years to come. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

Marci Ien, Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre

“Torontonians have made huge sacrifices throughout the pandemic. It’s not easy living in high rise buildings with limited space to be active. These projects will improve vital services, such as increased access to public and private greenspaces, as well as more accessible and reliable trail systems. Local and accessible recreational and active transportation opportunities are so important, now more than ever, to personal, family and community health. These investments will help residents maintain a healthy active lifestyle, while safely enjoying the City’s outdoor space. As we look ahead, we will continue to invest in active, healthy and inclusive community projects for many years to come.”

The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Etobicoke Centre

“Our government is repairing and rebuilding long-term care in Ontario. The joint investments announced today will enable Belmont House, the Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans’ Care, and the Wexford Residence to improve their long-term care homes. These upgrades are another part of our plan to ensure residents live in safety and comfort.”

The Honourable Rod Phillips, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Ajax

“I want to thank the federal and provincial governments  for investing in Toronto and for providing much-needed funding to help enhance and improve our city and its facilities. All of the projects announced today will greatly improve the lives of our residents and help create new opportunities for residents. During the pandemic, it was made clear that recreational and outdoor facilities play a great role in providing residents places to get out and get physical activity. Investments towards our Ravine Strategy for example will help us move forward in protecting and maintaining ravines and trails across our city. As a city, we know how important these services are and we continue to invest in them but we know we cannot do it alone. By working with the federal and provincial governments we can make changes quickly and ensure that we are continuously maintaining and updating our facilities for generations to come.”

His Worship John Tory, Mayor of the City of Toronto

Through the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government 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.

The Government of Canada has invested over $14.4 billion in more than 3,900 infrastructure projects across Ontario under the Investing in Canada plan.

Ontario is investing $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure.

Across Canada, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the Government of Canada has contributed $9.7 billion to 3,500 infrastructure projects.

The COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream funding stream guarantees a minimum of $100,000 to each of the province’s 444 municipalities. Additional funding has been allocated to municipalities based on a variety of factors, including the value of infrastructure and median household income in each municipality. 

Over the next 10 years, the Government of Ontario is investing approximately $320 million across the province, and the federal government is 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 (e.g., community centres, libraries), recreational venues (e.g., arenas, recreational spaces) and cultural spaces (e.g., theatres, museums). 

Emelyana Titarenko

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

873-355-9576

emelyana.titarenko@infc.gc.ca

Hayley Cooper

Press Secretary

Office of the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure

437-233-3224

hayley.cooper@ontario.ca

Sofia Sousa-Dias

Communications Branch

Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure

437-991-3391

sofia.sousa-dias@ontario.ca

Louise Brunet

Operations Manager

Office of the Mayor

City of Toronto

647-460-4870

louise.brunet@toronto.ca

Canada – Canada, Ontario and the Regional Municipality of Peel invest over $800,000 in the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives 

Aug 22, 2021 | International

Today, Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario’s President of the Treasury Board, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton West; and Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair of the Region of Peel, announced joint funding to improve ventilation at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum, and Archives (PAMA) in Brampton.

Brampton, Ontario, August 13, 2021—Across the country, Canadians are feeling the impacts of COVID-19 on their families, their livelihoods, and their way of life. Together, Canada and Ontario are working to enhance citizens’ quality of life, meet the needs of communities, and promote job creation and make meaningful investments to address the impacts of COVID-19.

Today, Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario’s President of the Treasury Board, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton West; and Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair of the Region of Peel, announced joint funding to improve ventilation at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum, and Archives (PAMA) in Brampton.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $322,000 in this project through the Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $268,000, with the Regional Municipality of Peel contributing over $214,000.

Project work includes upgrading PAMA’s heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems to create a more comfortable interior environment for visitors. Funding will also support improvements to the building’s envelope to help reduce future costs due to building repairs and maintaining mechanical equipment.

These improvements will allow PAMA to provide a safer and more enjoyable visitor experience, reducing the need to limit the number of guests in each exhibit, and preventing facility closures due to uncomfortable temperature levels.

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 are needed most. 

“Protecting the health and well-being of Canadians, as well as our cultural institutions, is vital to ensuring the success of our communities. Upgrades to the ventilation system at the Peel Art Galley, Museum and Archives will enhance visitor experience and better protect museum collections, providing a safer and more comfortable space for residents and tourists to enjoy quality culture and heritage programming. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Building a better Brampton means investing in the spaces that give our community the chance to bond, gather, and grow. By making investments in institutions like the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives, we’re connecting Brampton families to improved facilities and new opportunities to enjoy all that our great and growing city has to offer.”

The Honourable Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Ontario’s President of the Treasury Board, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South, on behalf of the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure

“Arts and culture are receiving a huge boost with the announcement of an investment in the local Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives, right here in Brampton. This HVAC project, including an investment of over $268,000 from the province, will allow them to improve their year-round visitor experience. Supporting arts and culture will be crucial in our community and across the province as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton West

“We are grateful for the support of Infrastructure Canada and Ontario funding to upgrade the airflow systems at the historic Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives. This construction project will see improved air quality to enhance visitor experience and to ensure the safeguarding of collections for years to come.”

Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair  and CEO of the Region of Peel

Through the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government 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.

The Government of Canada has invested over $14.4 billion in more than 3,900 infrastructure projects across Ontario under the Investing in Canada plan.

Ontario is investing $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure.

Across Canada, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the Government of Canada has contributed $9.7 billion to 3,500 infrastructure projects.

Over the next 10 years, the Government of Ontario is investing approximately $320 million across the province, and the federal government is 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 (e.g., community centres, libraries), recreational venues (e.g., arenas, recreational spaces) and cultural spaces (e.g., theatres, museums). 

Emelyana Titarenko

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

873-355-9576

emelyana.titarenko@infc.gc.ca

Hayley Cooper

Press Secretary

Office of the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure

437-233-3224

hayley.cooper@ontario.ca

Sofia Sousa-Dias

Communications Branch

Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure

437-991-3391

sofia.sousa-dias@ontario.ca

Rene F. Nand,

Manager, Community and Cultural Engagement Community Connections

905-791-7800 Ext. 3679

rene.nand@peelregion.ca