TORONTO—The Armenian Community Center of Toronto will benefit from a joint federal and provincial investment of $2,000,000, which will go toward the rehabilitation of the centre, under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario and Recreation Ontario (Ontario REC) announced by Parliament members Bob Dechert and David Caplan.
“Our government is proud to support recreational infrastructure,” said Dechert. “Investments in these types of projects stimulate the economy, enhance local facilities and services and foster vibrant, dynamic communities. This is truly wonderful news for the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto,” said Dechert.
“The McGuinty government is pleased to support the Armenian Community Centre as it helps build a more inclusive and welcoming province for us all.” Caplan said. “For over 30 years the Centre has served the Armenian community in the GTA –totaling over 30,000 people– and I’m pleased that this funding will help renew, expand and upgrade the facilities here at the Centre.”
“The Armenian Community Centre of Toronto is used by many residents of the GTA. It has been scheduled for major renovation. This funding will expedite that renovation and create much needed jobs now.” said the President of the Armenian Community Centre, Ara Kerjikian.
Parliament Member Gerry Phillips fellow legislator Dechert, Centre President and other members of the Armenian Community Centre this evening to celebrate the funding announcement.
“The Armenian Community Centre has been a very active facility providing great services to the community. This funding will help the Centre continue to play this important role,” said Phillips.
“The McGuinty Government continues to work in partnership with our communities and the federal government to renew and improve our recreational space in Toronto,” said Parliament Member Brad Duguid. “The funding to this community centre will realize short term economic benefits and in the long run, provide an up to date facility that will continue to provide top notch services.”
This is part of 758 projects announced on June 26 by Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear, on behalf of Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky, on behalf of George Smitherman, Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, worth a total joint federal and provincial investment of more than $380 Million.
These programs were designed to provide a timely, targeted stimulus to the economy through investments that will spur construction activity related to existing recreational infrastructure. Beyond economic stimulus and job creation, renewing, rehabilitating and modernizing our recreational infrastructure has the additional benefit of encouraging higher levels of participation in physical activity and community building.
Projects were selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness.