$660,620 invested to expand the golden age club building in Dolbeau-Mistassini

Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)

Dolbeau-Mistassini, November 13, 2006 – Acting on behalf of Nathalie Normandeau, Quebec's Ministre des Affaires municipales et des Régions, Karl Blackburn, Member of the National Assembly for Roberval and Parliamentary Assistant to the Vice-premier ministre and Ministre de la Sécurité publique, today joined the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, in announcing that the City of Dolbeau-Mistassini will receive $440,414 in combined government funding under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) to expand the Les Cœurs Vaillants golden age club building from its current 630 square metres to 1,036 square metres and bring the facility up to standard.

This project will consist of adding a multi-purpose hall with a 250-person capacity to the building's existing facilities, along with a computer and audiovisual room, stage area and all of the services necessary to meet user needs. Improvements to the heating and ventilation systems and the installation of an elevator will also help bring the building into compliance with existing standards, particularly with regard to access for persons with reduced mobility.

“The Les Cœurs Vaillants golden age club has seen a considerable increase in its membership in recent years. The enlargement of its building will allow the club to increase the services it offers and pursue its activities in a more adequate environment. The Government of Quebec is proud to play a role in enhancing the quality of life of the existing and future members of this centre,” stated Karl Blackburn.

“Canada's new government is proud to contribute to this expansion project. Current and future Cœurs Vaillants members will now have an ideal place to meet, discuss, socialize and engage in various cultural and participatory activities. A centre like this one can only help further the region's reach and influence,“ commented Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn.

Completion of this major project will necessitate a total investment of $660,620, eligible under component 3 of the MRIF. As such, the Government of Quebec and Government of Canada will each contribute $220,207 toward the initiative, for a total of $440,414 in combined government funding, while the City of Dolbeau-Mistassini will assume $220,206 of the project's costs.

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:

Johanne Levesque
Communications Advisor
Communications Branch
Ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions
514-873-6910

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