City Receives Federal Funding for New Makerspaces and Trail Expansion Project

The City of Mississauga has been awarded up to $101,889 in funding through the federal government’s Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150). The funding has been used to create Makerspaces in Burnhamthorpe and Courtneypark Libraries, as well as to expand Zonta Meadows Trail. Makerspaces are dynamic areas that provide a mix of resources and advanced technology which include 3D printers, audio and video recording/editing tools and robotics.

“Our Makerspaces encourage hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and math,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Exploring do-it-yourself projects in these subject areas fosters problem-solving skills, creativity and design thinking for all ages. These are critical skills in the growth of our local economy and in the development of Mississauga as a smart city.”

“Like many of the CIP150 outdoor projects undertaken in the last year, the renovation of the Zonta Meadows Trail provides an improved experience in one of Mississauga’s beautiful, natural spaces,” added Mayor Crombie.

Details of the projects are as follows:

Burnhamthorpe Library Makerspace – The space includes robotics equipment, an iMac computer, design software and a “green screen.” A green screen is a background used to add special effects in film production.

Courtneypark Library Makerspace – The area features a recording booth and a green screen. Customers are able to record spoken word and podcasts, as well as film and edit their own video and sound recordings.

Zonta Meadows Trail – The project widens and repairs 495 metres of trail. The concrete pads for accessible trail benches have been installed.

“With this CIP 150 funding, we will have completed a total of 57 CIP150 infrastructure projects across Mississauga,” said Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “Many of our natural spaces and facilities have received significant upgrades which continue to add to the great quality of life we offer to our residents.”

In total, the City of Mississauga was provided over $5.7 million in funding through CIP150.

“Through investments in our communities, we are demonstrating our commitment to create and support sustainable growth, economic opportunity, and prosperity in Canada,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “By improving community infrastructure such as library makerspaces and outdoor trails, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for residents of all ages.”

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• Funding and Grants