News Release

For Immediate Release

Government of Canada invests $874,706 to enhance community infrastructure in Ottawa
Centre

FedDev Ontario supports four Community Centre renovation and street animation projects to fuel community revitalization and create conditions for local economies to rebound

January 25, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario

Community infrastructure is at the heart of local communities, bringing together residents and visitors alike, while supporting local businesses, jobs and economies.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, announced a total investment of $874, 706 to enhance 4 Ottawa Centre community spaces under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF).

With this investment, recipients will enhance community infrastructure, and adapt public spaces to support the local economy and the quality of life for residents and visitors in Ottawa.

Additional project details can be found in the backgrounder.

Quotes
“It is critical that we as a government invest in the necessary infrastructure to support the mental and physical health of all in our communities. This investment promotes social interaction, boosts local economies and creates jobs. Programs like the Canada Community Revitaltization Fund will bring people together while improving their quality of life.”

- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for
Southern Ontario

“ Revitalizing downtown Ottawa and surrounding areas is being made possible through important partnerships such as these - created through FedDev Ontario’s Canada Community Revitalization Fund. By renovating community spaces, making them more accessible and more inclusive, and enhancing pedestrian experience outdoors, we are building an Ottawa where more people can live, work, and play. “

- Yasir Naqvi, MP, Ottawa Centre

“With the financial support from the Community Revitalization Fund, the Sparks Street Mall Authority will bring shade and play back to the street with two projects to further animate and transform Sparks Street! This includes new Muskoka chairs, planters and enhancements to our Green Zone. These projects would still be in the concept stage had it not been for the incredible support we have received from FedDev Ontario and we are very thankful for the support.”

- Kevin McHale, Executive Director, Sparks Street BIA

“With this generous funding from the federal government, Somerset West Community Health Centre is able to install an industrial kitchen at the Dalhousie Centre, an intergenerational hub for the community, with programming on site spanning every age group from infant to seniors - and primarily serving low-income families and individuals. This kitchen will be used for a range of SWCHC programming as well as by the general community.”

- Naini Cloutier, Executive Director, Somerset West Community Health Centre

“This investment contributes to our collective efforts at long term, downtown revitalization in Ottawa. Funding received through CCRF has contributed to improved exterior lighting, sanitation, and sound and fire proof doors to the Centre’s 1,000 person capacity performance venue. As a creative, cultural, and caring place and space, we extend a warm thank you to the federal government and the CCRF.”

- Jeff Turner, Chair, Bronson Centre Board of Directors

Quick Facts
- CCRF supports projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, bring people back to public spaces safely and stimulate local economies.

- Bronson Centre is a vital community hub that provides a home for nonprofit organizations who provide services to our most vulnerable, youth, seniors and families every day. Funding received through CCRF will allow for upgrades to the theatre doors to contemporary sound and fire standards, upgrading the waste management system and retrofitting exterior lighting.

- Somerset West Community Health Centre provides essential care and programming to residents in the Somerset West neighbourhood. Funding received through CCRF will support renovations to the Dalhousie Community Centre.

- Sparks Street Business Improvement Area will use CCRF funds modify an under-utilized space on Sparks Street into a park that will meet the demand for an outdoor physical space and enhance the open-air pedestrian experience in downtown Ottawa. 

- With a national investment of $500 million over two years, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, bring people back to public spaces safely, create jobs and stimulate local economies. This includes $139 million for projects in southern Ontario, delivered by FedDev Ontario.

About FedDev Ontario
For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter,
Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.