City Awarded $2.5 Million in Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Funding

Today, The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and Member of Parliament for Mississauga – Malton announced over $2.5 million in Government of Canada funding for 28 infrastructure rehabilitation projects in Mississauga through Intake 2 of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150).

The CIP 150 approved City projects include the rehabilitation of five trails, 17 playgrounds, one facility renovation and five specific renovation projects. The federal program celebrates Canada’s 150th anniversary, under the theme Giving Back to Canada. The objective of the program is to strengthen public infrastructure and provide economic benefits in communities across Canada.

“The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program helps municipalities undertake much-needed renovations and improvements to aging infrastructure,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “By investing in public spaces – playgrounds, parks, trails and recreation facilities – where all members of our diverse community can come together, we enhance the overall well-being of our city and contribute to an unrivalled quality of life for all residents. Funding investments of this kind also serve to strengthen accessible public infrastructure for the future.”

Mayor Crombie added, “On behalf of my fellow Members of Council and the City of Mississauga, I would like to thank the federal government for investing in our city and our promising future, particularly as we recognize the 150th anniversary of Canada’s confederation. With lasting legacy projects underway and meaningful ways for everyone to join in local celebrations, Canada 150 will be a memorable year in Mississauga.”

In total, the 28 infrastructure rehabilitation projects will cost over $5 million, which includes over $2.5 million CIP 150 funding.

“The CIP 150 funding provides the City with the opportunity to improve playground equipment, trails, and community centres which had been identified as priorities in our asset management program,” said Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administration Officer.

Projects must be completed by March 31, 2018.

“Investments in social, cultural and green spaces make cities like Mississauga attractive to those who want to live and work in this incredible city,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “Investments like these, through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, improve the quality of life for individuals and families and create a lasting legacy for future generations.”

A number of Canada 150 legacy projects are already underway in Mississauga. These include:

• The rehabilitation of 14 trails and nine playgrounds along with two specific renovation projects at Lake Aquitaine Park and Riverwood Park with up to $2.1 million in funding through Intake 1 of the CIP 150 program.
• The rehabilitation of the Small Arms Inspection Building with up to $1 million also from CIP 150. This funding is pending the successful negotiation to purchase the property from the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).
• The creation of a Public Art Legacy piece with $199,000 from Department of Canadian Heritage Celebrations and Commemoration Program – Canada 150 Fund Grant. The art installation will be created for Mississauga Celebration Square and will engage Canadians and newcomers on issues of identity, culture and the place of Indigenous peoples in contemporary society.

In addition to these projects, the City will showcase its rich diversity, culture, heritage, people and public places in a year-long Canada 150 program. For more information, visit mississauga.ca/canada150.

Background:

On May 24, 2016, the Government of Canada announced the launch of Intake 2 of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. FedDev Ontario is delivering the program in southern Ontario with a total allocation of up to $88.8 million over two years. The maximum funding available for any one project is limited to $1 million. Project applications and supporting documentation were submitted by the City in advance of the June 24, 2016 deadline.