PITT MEADOWS, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/16/12 -- Today, Randy Kamp, Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the City of Pitt Meadows under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

"Our Government is committed to improving community infrastructure across Canada, and today's announcement is a prime example of how we are delivering on this commitment," said MP Kamp. "This investment will help create jobs and growth, and will support the prosperity of the community for years to come."

"For small communities like Pitt Meadows, the recreational centre is the heart of our City and an important community asset. This revitalization will continue to serve all of our citizens by making it more accessible for youth, seniors and citizens with mobility issues," said Mayor Deb Walters, City of Pitt Meadows. "The City of Pitt Meadows would like to thank the Federal Government for assisting with funding for our recreational infrastructure projects, and having the foresight to invest in the health and fitness of Canadians."

Funding of $242,750 in will help the City of Pitt Meadows renovate the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre and grow the local economy. Upgrades will replace the existing multi-purpose room, adjoining kitchen and seniors lounge, with a new weight room and improved multi-purpose room. These renovations will help better support a wide variety of existing leisure activities at the facility, as well as create new recreational opportunities.

CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the Fund in Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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A Stronger West. A Stronger Canada.

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Backgrounder

Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund

Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), the Harper Government has committed to supporting communities and creating jobs through repairs and improvements to existing community facilities over the next two years. The Fund is being delivered by the regional development agencies across Canada. In Western Canada, Western Economic Diversification is delivering over $46 million towards eligible projects.

The construction of new infrastructure and repairs to facilities that are primarily for commercial or for-profit activities are ineligible. Facilities must be accessible for use by the public and not limited to a private membership. All projects are required to be completed by March 31, 2014.

Organizations eligible to apply for funding under CIIF include:

--  local or regional governments or related agencies; 
--  provincial entities that provide municipal-type services to communities;
--  non-profit organizations; and 
--  First Nation governments, including Band or Tribal Councils or their
    legally-designated representatives. 

Examples of the type of community infrastructure that can be supported under CIIF include:

--  community centres; 
--  cultural centres; 
--  parks; 
--  libraries; 
--  recreational facilities (e.g. local arenas, swimming pools, sports
    fields, and other types of recreational facilities); 
--  tourism facilities having a local impact; and 
--  other existing community infrastructure assets which have a local
    community impact such as connectivity and broadband and local airports. 

Please refer to the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund website for more information.