Canada supports hub focused on improving community services and activities for Edmontonians

EDMONTON, June 8, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in social infrastructure where people can come together and share ideas and resources helps build dynamic inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.  

Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, announced nearly $1.8 million in federal funding for the Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit. The Honourable Sandra Jansen, Minister of Infrastructure for Alberta, and Mike Nickel, City of Edmonton Councillor for Ward 11, also participated in the event.

The project involves creating an affordable vibrant hub of office, training and event space for more than 20 non-profit organizations. This will allow them to combine forces on developing and delivering effective community programming that meets the diverse needs of people across Edmonton.

Once complete, the Jerry Forbes Centre will be a focal point of collaboration in delivering a wide variety of social services and specialized assistance to those who need it most, leading to a brighter future and higher quality of life for all Edmontonians.

Quotes

"I am thrilled that the Government of Canada is helping make this important community project a reality for Edmontonians. The Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit will make it easier for non-profit groups to collaborate on innovative programming and play a major role in bringing the community together in the spirit of learning and mutual support. Our Government is proud to be investing in infrastructure projects across the province that are focused on promoting economic growth, strengthening the middle class and improving the lives of all Albertans."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit project is a great example of how the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan investments will help improve the province's infrastructure and benefit Albertans. By turning this empty warehouse into affordable, collaborative office spaces, we are enabling its tenants, the non-profit organizations, to focus on what matters most. The Government of Alberta knows how vital it is that we support local organizations that deliver the important programs and services Edmontonians and their families rely on."

The Honourable Sandra Jansen, Minister of Infrastructure for Alberta

"The City of Edmonton is proud to support the development of this innovative hub for non-profits in our community. We're extremely pleased that the Jerry Forbes Centre will be able to move forward with strong intergovernmental support, as this unique village of charitable organizations could not be a reality without support from all levels of government."

Mike Nickel, City of Edmonton Councillor for Ward 11

"The Jerry Forbes Centre Foundation is very thankful for the support that we have received from the Federal Government, the Provincial Government and the City of Edmonton.  Without their support the Centre would not have been possible. The vision of the Centre, one of volunteerism and collaboration between charities, is becoming a reality. When the Jerry Forbes Centre opens its doors later this summer it will be a great home to many charities who will work together promoting synergy, innovation and community spirit."

Brian Farrell, Board Chair of the Jerry Forbes Centre Foundation

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is providing $1,799,600 to this project through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. This marks the first project to be approved under the Canada-Alberta bilateral agreement signed on April 3, 2018.
• The Alberta government provided a total of $5 million through Alberta Culture and Tourism's Community Facility Enhancement Program to assist with the purchase and upgrades of the facility.
• The Jerry Forbes Centre Foundation and the City of Edmonton are covering the remaining projects costs.
• The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• $25.3 billion of this funding will support social infrastructure (including recreational and cultural) in Canadian communities.

Associated links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ab-eng.html

Jerry Forbes Centre for Community Spirit: https://jerryforbescentre.ca/

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada