$309,558 invested in Saint-Ambroise for roof repairs to the sociocultural complex

Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)

Saint-Ambroise, November 13, 2006 – Acting on behalf of Nathalie Normandeau, Quebec's Ministre des Affaires municipales et des Régions, Françoise Gauthier, Member of the National Assembly for Jonquière, Ministre du Tourisme and Ministre responsable de la région du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, and the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour, Minister of Canada Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Jonquière-Alma riding, are pleased to announce that the Municipality of Saint-Ambroise will receive $206,372 in combined government funding under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) to repair the roof of its sociocultural complex.

The work consists of replacing the asphalt shingles, adjusting the thermal bridges, improving attic ventilation and improving storm water drainage. These renovations will primarily help to address water infiltration problems.

“The sociocultural complex is a preferred gathering and recreational place for Saint-Ambroise residents as well as tourists visiting the region. Maintaining such a facility in good repair is essential because it contributes to the economic, tourism and cultural development of the community,” said Minister Gauthier.

“Urban and economically based infrastructure projects like this are key to Quebec's and Canada's future. They enhance the quality of citizens' lives in a tangible and sustainable way and serve to tighten the weave of our community fabric,” added Minister Blackburn.

This major project will require a total investment of $309,558 under component 3 of the MRIF. The governments of Quebec and Canada will each contribute $103,186 toward the project for a total of $206,372 in combined government funding, while the Municipality of Saint-Ambroise will assume $103,186 of the project's costs.

Built in 1991, Saint-Ambroise's sociocultural complex house a literacy centre, the municipal library and the offices of the Chanson en fête competition. Its premises are also used by a variety of organizations and individuals, for exhibitions, courses and social gatherings. Today's announcement will enable the municipality to realize the full potential of this important building and preserve it for future generations.

The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is a $390 million cost-sharing initiative of the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada to help finance municipal infrastructure projects in Quebec. With the financial participation of municipalities, this initiative could result in investments of nearly $576 million for infrastructure work in the province. The objectives of the MRIF are to upgrade community infrastructure, improve the quality of the environment, promote long-term economic growth and enhance citizens' quality of life.

Implementation of the MRIF in Quebec is the result of a joint agreement signed by the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada in July 2005. The program, which is in force until March 31, 2010, is administered by Quebec's Ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions. Canada Economic Development is responsible for delivering the federal portion of the MRIF on behalf of the Government of Canada.

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Source:

Christine Poirier Laberge
Communications Advisor
Communications Branch
Ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions
514-873-3687

Information:

Jonathan Trudeau
Press Secretary
Office of the Ministre des Affaires municipales et des Régions
418-691-2050

Roxane Marchand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
819-953-5646
613-816-5094

Nadja Raphaël
Communications Advisor
Canada Economic Development
514-283-2634

Jack Roy
Press Secretary
Office of the Ministre du Tourisme
418-528-8063