Canada and Quebec support renovations to Duhamel public library

DUHAMEL, QC, July 4, 2018 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize that cultural infrastructure plays a key role in developing dynamic communities and promoting Canadian and Quebec heritage.

Stéphane Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Argenteuil‒La Petite-Nation, and Alexandre Iracà, Member of the National Assembly for Papineau, today announced that the governments of Canada and Quebec will each invest over $65,000 for the interior refurbishment of the Duhamel public library, a community hub where people can participate in a diverse inclusive cultural life.

This financial support comes from the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—Small Communities Fund. The Municipality of Duhamel will also invest more than $65,000 to bring the total government and municipal investment to over $195,000.

The project involves improving the main entrance, installing new flooring, replacing doors and light fixtures, and upgrading the electrical and mechanical systems. This work will allow the library to increase its service hours and improve programming. Once complete, the library will also be safer and more accessible to people with disabilities.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada knows that investing in cultural infrastructure promotes thriving communities and economic growth. Thanks to these renovations the Duhamel library will be able to enhance and expand its services, and offer local residents an inclusive place of discovery for readers of all ages."

Stéphane Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Argenteuil‒La Petite-Nation, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Our government is investing in communities to support the development of quality infrastructure and improve residents' access to culture across Quebec. With this project, the Municipality of Duhamel is improving residents' overall environment by providing them with a vital centre of learning and community life."

Alexandre Iracà, Member of the National Assembly for Papineau, on behalf of Marie Montpetit, Minister of Culture and Communications, and Minister Responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language

"I am pleased that this important and long-awaited project is becoming reality. Thanks to a partnership among all three levels of government, this work will greatly improve the user experience and access to our library while also enhancing services for the region's many tourists."

David Pharand, Mayor of Duhamel

Quick Facts

• The Small Communities Fund is a federal‒provincial program coordinated by Infrastructure Canada in partnership with the provinces and territories. In Quebec, the Fund is administered by the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. The goal of this program is to provide financial support to Canadian municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents to develop infrastructure that enhance their cultural, sports, recreational, and tourism assets or safeguard public assets.
• The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities. $25.3 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• Quebec's 2018-2028 Infrastructure Plan calls for nearly $7.3 billion in investments in municipal infrastructure under the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. When combined with contributions from the Government of Canada and municipalities, this means over $14.3 billion will be invested in municipal infrastructure in Quebec over this period.

Associated Links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html

Twitter: @INFC_eng 
Website: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada