December 18, 2009

ST. THOMAS – The governments of Canada and Ontario today announced an investment in partnership with two community organizations that will improve their existing facilities.

This total investment of $2,410,062 will help to create local jobs in the City of St. Thomas and the Municipality of West Elgin and supports an important heritage landmark and a facility serving seniors respectively.

Specifics on the projects and funding (organization, project, funding):

• North America Railway Hall of Fame (St. Thomas), restoration and rehabilitation site work at the Canada Southern Railway Station (CASO), $546,400 from both the federal and provincial governments, project total $1,639,200;
• West Lorne Heritage Homes Not for Profit Corp., construction of the West Lorne Heritage Community Centre linking the two affordable senior housing buildings, $256,954 from both levels of government, project total $770,862.

To make the announcement, Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Joe Preston and MPP Steve Peters joined representatives from both organizations at the CASO Station. 

“I am proud today to be jointly announcing funding for projects that will get shovels in the ground, jobs created, and enable these organizations to enhance their services for years to come,” Preston said. “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government has announced an historic number of projects to help strengthen our communities, including here in St. Thomas and in West Lorne.”

“Today’s investment in these two projects further demonstrates the Ontario government’s commitment to strengthening our local communities’ not-for-profit sector,” Peters said. “This investment will not only help deliver valued community services, help create jobs, and stimulate our local economy, but will also improve the quality of life for residents.”

The Governments of Canada and Ontario and the two community organizations are each investing one-third of the total project cost, with the Municipality of West Elgin contributing $100,000 towards West Lorne Heritage Homes Not For Profit’s share. Canada’s funding is part of its new national Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, under Canada’s Economic Action Plan unveiled in January 2009. Ontario’s matching contribution is provided through the 2009 Ontario Budget – Confronting the Challenge: Building Our Economic Future.

Canada and Ontario are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure.