Canada’s Economic Action Plan - Prime Minister Stephen Harper announces support for Brandon University Fitness Centre Expansion

March 19, 2010

BRANDON, MANITOBA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced Government of Canada support for the expansion of the Brandon University Fitness Centre through Canada’s Economic Plan.  The Province of Manitoba, the City of Brandon and Brandon University are also supporting the project.  The Prime Minister was joined by Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba; Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon–Souris; Dave Burgess, Mayor of Brandon; and Dr. Deborah Poff, President of Brandon University.

“Under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, hundreds of infrastructure projects are now underway across Manitoba,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “Thanks to exceptional cooperation between all levels of government and public institutions like Brandon University, we are getting things done for Canadians like never before.” 
 
The Fitness Centre project will expand and improve the current fitness facility at the Brandon University campus.  The Centre will include full-scale gyms, an indoor walking track and facilities for fitness classes.  The building will be certified LEED Silver, which means that it will be energy efficient and that its construction will be done using sustainable and recycled materials.  Both the university community and local residents will be able to use the facility. 
 
“When the work is done, it will dramatically expand access to local recreational facilities for the whole community,” said the Prime Minister.  “And it will nurture future generations of athletes who will build on Brandon’s reputation for athletic excellence.”
 
Since January 27, 2009, the Government of Canada has committed to more than 350 projects across Manitoba as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, putting Manitobans into jobs today while laying the foundation for future economic growth.
 


Backgrounder

CANADA’S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN

Brandon University FITNESS CENTRE

Canada and Manitoba are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure.
 
The Government of Canada will consider as a priority for federal infrastructure funding the Brandon University Fitness Centre project, which will see a new recreational centre built on campus.
 
If all Government of Canada program requirements under the Building Canada Fund are met, and a contribution agreement is signed, support for the estimated $18.8-million project is as follows:

• Up to $5.31 million from the Government of Canada
• Up to $5.31 million from the Province of Manitoba
• $6.3 million from Brandon University
• $1.88 million from the City of Brandon

 
Federal funding would be provided under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund.
 
The Major Infrastructure Component targets larger, strategic projects of national and regional significance.  Projects under the Major Infrastructure Component are selected through a federal-provincial negotiation process.  All projects are required to meet specified federal requirements. 
 
The Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan expands the existing Building Canada Fund with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over two years.
 
The Government of Canada is committing funding to infrastructure projects throughout Manitoba under the Building Canada Fund.  Previously announced projects include the Red River Floodway, the Waverley West Arterial Roads Project and improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway near Headingley. 
 
For further information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp

For further information on the Building Canada plan, visit http://www.buildingcanada.gc.ca