MP Dechert Announces Important Investment through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

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Bob Dechert, Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), today was joined by Ron Starr, Ward 6 Councillor City of Mississauga  and Douglas Markoff, Executive Director The Riverwood Conservancy to announce that the City of Mississauga will receive funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.

The Harper Government has approved up to $745,630 for a total project cost of up to $1,491,260 for the Rehabilitation of Riverwood Park and Improvements to the Chappell House. These improvements will allow the staff at the Riverwood Conservancy to continue to expand the important programing they are currently offering to the community.

This announcement is one of many for projects approved through the Program that will improve and preserve community spaces across southern Ontario, with the aim of giving back to Canadians and creating a lasting legacy as Canada prepares to celebrate the150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. The Program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships and modernize existing community facilities.

The contribution is contingent on the execution of a contribution agreement with the recipient.


Quick Facts

  • Riverwood features the greatest diversity of wildlife in the Credit River watershed – Over 189 resident and migratory bird species have been identified alone.
  • Over 36,000 students (elementary, secondary and special needs) have learned about the environment and our shared connections to it since 2005 at Riverwood.
  • The Riverwood Conservancy annually reaches over 21,000 people through its over 500 programs and community outreach projects.
  • Over the coming weeks, local announcements for projects approved through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in southern Ontario will take place across southern Ontario.
  • Projects have been selected based on program criteria, including the extent to which funding was leveraged from other sources, construction-readiness, and linkages to Canada 150.
  • The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is one of several infrastructure-related initiatives that the Harper Government has undertaken to generate well-being and prosperity in communities across Canada.
  • It builds on FedDev Ontario’s delivery of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund and the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program in Ontario, which represented a federal investment of more than $225 million and supported more than 1180 projects.


Quotes

“The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will preserve and improve our community infrastructure, so that Canadians and their families can enjoy moments of culture, sport, recreation and leisure for years to come. I am proud to see my community benefit from this program.”

-Bob Dechert, Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice

“The funding is a fitting tribute to Canada’s 150 celebration. It will help to enhance and preserve Riverwood and the Chappell House for our community today and for future generations. This City property is historically and environmentally significant. It is an increasingly popular destination for visitors and residents to experience and enjoy history, art and nature in a magnificent public park in the heart of Mississauga.”

– Councillor Ron Starr, Ward 6

“The C150 grant greatly benefits the entire community of Mississauga, its people and its wildlife. The Riverwood Conservancy deeply appreciates the support from the federal and municipal governments that will enable the facilities at Riverwood to be upgraded to meet the increasing demand for these programs across all of Mississauga. On behalf of our volunteers, Friends and especially the children, students, challenged individuals, families and seniors who will have improved and accessible program space in which to learn, understand and appreciate the value of nature and our shared connections to the environment, then venture outside to experience it, we are grateful. “

-Douglas Markoff, Executive Director, The Riverwood Conservancy