Community facilities get federal funding

Canada 150 program contributes $2.7M for renovation, expansion

In celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, the federal government on Tuesday pledged $2.7 million to help renovate and expand 13 community facilities in Calgary.

Calgary Centre MP Kent Hehr, minister of veterans affairs, unveiled the grant at the Village Square Leisure Centre arenas, harkening back to his days as a young hockey player.

“I took part in everything the city had to offer — baseball diamonds, hockey rinks, schools and, of course, the public library — all the things that make a childhood great.

“And I especially remember spending hours and hours at Centennial Arena,” he added.

Hehr, who once played as a defenceman for the Mount Royal Cougars men’s hockey team, said he especially enjoyed the hours of practise and game-time at their home rink, Centennial Arena, built thanks to federal funding to celebrate Canada’s 100-year anniversary in 1967.

“I remember spending hours and hours at Centennial Arenas,” added Hehr, whose hockey career was cut short when he was paralyzed in a shooting at the age of 21.

“All of those memories were made good because of smart government investment. I hope we can continue to leave those lasting legacies.”

The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is part of Canada 150 Celebrates, contributing $46.2 million for projects across Western Canada and an additional $150 million over the next two years for local improvements across the country.

In Calgary, the projects include renovations to Village Square, Frank McCool and West Hillhurst arenas, as well as a new nature playground at Forest Lawn Library, upgrades to stage lighting at the Irish Cultural Centre and upgrades to the Cerebral Palsy Community Services Centre.

“This stuff matters,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi, also looking back to the time he spent at Village Square as a young boy.

“Arenas, cultural facilities, community centres are all places of opportunity, places of welcome, where people breathe the same air as their neighbours.

“It’s about diversity, economy, but mostly it’s about people.”

Community centres in particular, which continue to struggle with aging facilities and limited funding, are thrilled with the cash injection.

Arenas, cultural facilities, community centres are all places of opportunity ... It’s about diversity, economy, but mostly it’s about people.

Bryan Polak, general manager at West Hillhurst Community Centre, said the arena at the 75-yearold facility has become especially busy over the past few years.

“We know that the policy of the city now is to build up, not out, so that’s putting a lot of pressure on facilities like ours, which are in the middle of the city,” Polak said.

“We’re getting so much increased interest in our kids’ programs, our men’s leagues, you name it.”

West Hillhurst will receive $500,000, which he said will be used for improved lighting, safer boards and upgrades to parts of the cooling facility.