Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s Receives Funds to Improve the Facility that Houses the Sherbrooke Opportunities Society
All Canadians deserve to live in inclusive and vibrant communities where they can connect with their friends and neighbours. Investing in local community infrastructure will improve existing facilities, build stronger community ties and strengthen the middle class and those seeking to join it.
Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, today announced an investment of $66,745 for the Sherbrooke Opportunities Society (SHOPS), an organization aimed at furthering the education of adults with disabilities.
The $133,490 project, of which $66,745 was obtained through fundraising by SHOPS, is to complete interior renovations to the 1,500 square-foot ‘Adult Learning Room’ dedicated to SHOPS participants and educators. The work involves electrical, mechanical, drywall, painting and finishing of the space, which is located within St. Mary’s Academy.
Currently, SHOPS participants must travel to Guysborough, which is a deterrent due to travel costs and the need for volunteers to provide transportation. The Municipality and Province have invested in the project to secure the space for the Adult Learning Room within the footprint of the P-12 school.
Today’s announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
This project is being partly funded through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150). Funding in Atlantic Canada is delivered through ACOA. These investments, to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, help create jobs, boost economic activity, strengthen communities and celebrate Canada’s rich heritage and history.
“Cultural and recreational activities and facilities form an essential part of every community. The Government of Canada recognizes that investing in them celebrates our heritage and improves the quality of life of all Canadians. These renewed facilities not only respond to the demand for community infrastructure improvements, but also provide us an opportunity to celebrate the people of this great country.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“It is fantastic to see the support from the community and the Government of Canada to ensure that the participants and educators in the Sherbrooke Opportunities Program have the proper space that they require to continue to provide adults with developmental challenges the opportunity to thrive in their community. This community infrastructure investment here in Sherbrooke again signals the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the continued success of our rural communities.”
-Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova
Quick Facts:
• CIP 150 is designed to leave a lasting legacy by supporting the rehabilitation or improvement of existing community infrastructure assets and facilities across the country that promote community and cultural benefits for the public.
• Infrastructure investments are a proven, effective means of boosting economic activity and enhancing the quality of life for Canadian families.
• Projects supported by the program are chosen based on assessment criteria including construction-readiness and public benefit, the extent to which funding is leveraged from other sources and linkages to Canada 150.
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