Ottawa to help renovate community buildings in time for Canada’s 150th birthday

TRURO, N.S. – The federal government is making $150 million available to renovate and expand public buildings that provide community and cultural benefits.

The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Fund promoted Friday by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Truro, N.S., is expected to help 1,800 projects through federal regional economic development agencies.

Projects that get funding will be completed by the end of the 2017 construction season for the 150th celebration of Confederation.

Buildings that are eligible include community centres, Royal Canadian Legion branches, museums and recreational facilities. Applications for funding can be made by local organizations, municipalities and non-profit groups.

“Curling rinks, arenas, walking trails and bike routes, theatres and community halls in small towns and big cities alike, these are places where people come together,” Harper said at recreational centre. “They are literally the beating hearts of the communities we live in.”