PEMBERTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/17/13 -- Today, Mark Strahl, Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for converting the Pemberton Train Station into a community, tourism and transportation hub under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

"I am proud to see Pemberton benefit from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund," said MP Strahl. "This investment will help create jobs and growth, and will support the prosperity of the community for years to come."

The Harper Government's investment of $44,964 will support the Pemberton Train Station conversion by upgrading the interior of the facility, including adding new paint and LED lighting, renovating the washrooms to provide accessibility from the outside, and installing wireless Internet.

The funding will also support improvements to the exterior of the building through the construction of a bus pullout, landscaping, as well as the addition of benches, bicycle racks, public art fixtures, a water fountain, and an information kiosk.

"The Village of Pemberton wishes to thank MP Strahl and the Government of Canada for this CIIF Funding" said Mayor Jordan Sturdy. "The train station improvement funds will further contribute to the Village meeting longstanding objectives of the Downtown Enhancement Plan. The revitalization of this important downtown building will see the creation of a central community facility and be an invaluable resource for visitors to the area."

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

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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