Government of Canada invests $228,244.00 to enhance community infrastructure in Galt

Cambridge, Ontario. (February 22, 2023) - FedDev Ontario supports popular boat launch (canoe and kayak) site located on the Grand River at 210 Water Street South, to fuel community revitalization and create conditions for local economies to rebound.

Community infrastructure is at the heart of local communities, bringing together residents and visitors alike, while supporting local businesses, jobs and economies. Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have the community infrastructure to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These are integral to our overall well-being as individuals,families, and communities.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge, announced an investment of $228,244.00 to improve Galt under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF). With this investment, community infrastructure will be enhanced to support local economic growth and quality of life for residents and visitors of Cambridge.

This support will allow the city to conduct excavation and resurfacing of the boat launch in the downtowncore with tree and vegetative grubbing, expansion and resurfacing the parking area with accessible parking spaces, the addition of barrier free transitions between the parking, boat launch and trails that traverse the area, bike racks, canoe racks, seating, and an information kiosk. This revitalization will increase the accessibility of this popular community space.

Through the CCRF, FedDev will give priority to projects that revitalize main streets or downtown cores, improve or reinvent outdoors spaces, reduce environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, and increase accessibility to public spaces so people with disabilities can enjoy them.

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

“It’s great to see our federal government investing in our community with a project that will improve the quality of life for those who use the boat launch and the Grand River Trail by providing a safe and accessible environment for all users. This investment will also help to enhance an inviting and accessible place for the community to gather and enjoy the natural beauty of the Grand River and the great outdoors.”

- Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge

“The City of Cambridge is thankful to the federal government’s Canada Community Revitalization Fund and the Regional Tourism Office 4 for providing this generous funding to support our project. This will help revitalize a major trailhead and waterfront area that is extremely well-used by our residents. Infrastructure projects like this one contribute to a more vibrant, healthy, and sustainable community which all citizens can enjoy.”

- Jan Liggett, City of Cambridge Mayor

Quick Facts

• The project will revitalize and add accessibility design features to a popular boat launch (canoe and kayak) site located on the Grand River at 210 Water Street South in the Galt area of the city.
• The project includes activities such as the excavation and resurfacing of the boat launch, tree and vegetative grubbing, expansion and resurfacing the parking area with accessible parking spaces, the addition of barrier free transitions between the parking, boat launch and trails that traverse the area, bike racks, canoe racks, seating, and an information kiosk.
• 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.
• The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) is helping communities across Canada build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can continue to rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Eligible recipients may receive a non-repayable contribution of up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs of an infrastructure project. Recipients will be responsible for providing the remaining balance. Under the Fund, RDAs can contribute up to 100 percent funding for projects with Indigenous groups.