Canada and Ontario invest in improved community and culture infrastructure in Ottawa
Infrastructure
2021-04-01 16:00:00

OTTAWA—Canadians everywhere are feeling the impact of COVID-19, on their families, their livelihoods and their way of life. Together, the governments of Canada and Ontario are working to reduce the impact of the pandemic, ensure health and safety, rebuild businesses, and promote job creation, growth and investment.

Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity, Associate Minister of Finance, and Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Jeremy Roberts, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa West—Nepean, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure; Natalia Kusendova, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Francophone Affairs and Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga Centre; His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa; and Councillor Mathieu Fleury, Rideau-Vanier Ward, announced joint funding for three community and culture infrastructure projects in the City of Ottawa.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $3.1 million toward these projects, with the Government of Ontario providing over $2.6 million through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Plan. The recipients are contributing more than $2.1 million total toward their respective projects.

The first project involves modernizing the Optimiste Park - Genest Outdoor Pool to improve accessibility, and provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for swimmers. Project work will include replacing and expanding the pool basin to a 25 metre basin, installing a new pool deck, and creating accessible changerooms, pathways, and pool entrances.

Funding will also support renovations to the bowling room at the Vanier Community Service Centre. Lanes and seating will be removed to transform the room into a multi-purpose space that can accommodate a wider variety of community programing and activities. Windows and two additional exits will also be installed to provide better accessibility, and meet safety standards.

Finally, the Youville Community Centre will receive a new roof, an upgraded HVAC system, and improved thermal efficiency to provide a more comfortable and energy-efficient facility for staff and clients.

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.