Feds ante up cash for community infrastructure upgrades

The federal government is putting up $46 million for a Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund in the West. Community facilities, such as local arenas, community centres, and sports fields, are now eligible for repairs and upgrades through the fund.

MP David Wilks said Saturday that he plans to discuss the fund with Mayor David Raven.

Both the Forum and the Community Centre could benefit from upgrades.

“The only hitch is that the deadline for this is coming up fairly quickly,” he said. “The deadline to apply is August 2.”

However, he said there would be a a second call for applications in November and additional intakes if funding is available. For details on project eligibility and how to submit an application, please go to www.wd.gc.ca

CIIF will support, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. Local, regional and First Nation governments, as well as community not-for-profit organizations with projects that can be completed before March 31, 2014 are invited to apply for funding.

This national program provides $150 million to be delivered by regional development agencies across the country.

For more information please e-mail Wilks at david.wilks@parl.gc.ca.