Government of Canada Supports Improvements To The Community Infrastructure In The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock

East Zorra-Tavistock, ON- Across the country, community centres, cultural centres, ice rinks, swimming pools, and other community projects will soon be improved thanks to support from the Government of Canada’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

As part of the Government’s Economic Action Plan 2012, Dave MacKenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford, today announced $178 850.00 in federal funding for improvements to the Tavistock Queen’s Park under CIIF. The Queen’s Park is used by many community members and organizations for sports tournaments, festivals, fairs, and many other community events.

The “Royal Reno” consists of several projects with the initial projects including the construction of a multi-use pavilion, new entrance, parking lot, accessible washrooms, and kitchen. With funding from CIIF, the Township will now be able to complete additional planned projects, including purchasing playground equipment, constructing additional trails, installing more lighting, and building a new Minor Ball building and Minor Soccer building.

“I am proud to see my community benefit from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund,” said MP MacKenzie. “This investment will help create jobs and growth and will support community spirit in the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock for years to come.”

“This funding gives the residents of Tavistock area many more opportunities for active living,” said Don McKay, Mayor of the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock. “It will also facilitate more social interaction among our residents of all ages. An active and socially community is a great place to call home.”

“The $178 850.00 funding from the Federal Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund will allow the Township to proceed with the next phase of the Tavistock Queen’s Park Improvement Project,” said Jeff Carswell, CAO for the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock. “The main component of the first phase involved construction of a new pavilion and reconfiguring the park layout, but funds were not available for all parts of the project. This funding will enable the Township to proceed with additional items like the playground equipment, trails, lighting, storage, and additional parking.”

The national Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund provides $150 million over two years for repairs and improvements to existing public community infrastructure including: community centres, cultural centres, parks, libraries, recreational facilities, tourism facilities, and other existing infrastructure asset that have a local community impact. The Fund is being delivered by regional development agencies across Canada. The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) is delivering the Fund in Ontario with an allocation of up to $49.6 million over two years. FedDev Ontario is responsible for administering the program, drawing on its expertise in the delivery of infrastructure programs, while the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) will use its knowledge of the region to manage communications activities related to the Fund in northern Ontario.

For more information contact:
Clarissa Langdon
Executive Assistant
Dave MacKenzie, MP for Oxford
613-995-4432