September 25, 2009
Governments Fund Surrey Infrastructure

SURREY – Canada, B.C. and the City of Surrey have approved a joint investment of $30 million through the Building Canada Fund and Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to get shovels in the ground on the new City Centre Library.  This project will benefit local residents by creating jobs, helping to boost the local economy, and build longer-lasting local infrastructure.

“This investment of $10 million by the Government of Canada for the Surrey Library is great news for local residents and families,” says Surrey North MP Dona Cadman.  “The partnership between the Governments of Canada, British Columbia and the City of Surrey has produced real results for our community during these tough economic times.  This is another project we all can be proud of and will benefit our community now and for years to come.”

“This is an important investment that will kick start Surrey’s effort to create a vital Surrey center,” says Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon.  “As one of the fastest growing municipalities in B.C., Surrey will greatly benefit from these additional services.  I’m pleased we are ensuring the community has the infrastructure for continued success.”

The combined Federal, Provincial and Municipal funds for infrastructure project involves the creation of the City Centre Library; a new 65,000 square feet building that will enhance the Civic Centre, the site of the new Surrey City Hall, and reach Surrey's diverse communities, offering services to all.

“This joint announcement is a great demonstration of what can be accomplished when multiple levels of government work together,” says Surrey-Panorama MLA Stephanie Cadieux.  “In such a tough global economy, strong relationships like these will help position our community for a bright future.”

“The new City Centre Library will be a vital addition to Surrey,” says Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer. “This project will not only create jobs during a challenging economy climate, it will provide a focal gathering point for the community, a place to learn and engage with one another.”

“By working together with the Provincial and the Federal governments, we will be launching an important project that will not only create jobs in Surrey but also help us re-define our city centre,” says Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts.

The Government of Canada's 2009 Economic Action Plan includes a vast array of initiatives to help to stimulate the economy, create jobs, build consumer confidence, and assist Canadians when they need it most during this global economic recession.  New large-scale infrastructure programs are one important element of this plan.

The project is funded under the Province's three-year, $14-billion capital infrastructure program that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.

Since February about 480 projects worth $3.4 billion have been announced. These will create an estimated 21,600 jobs in communities across British Columbia.

For more information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca or www.bcbuildingcanadafundcommunities.ca. Information on the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is available at www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.

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