James Moore

PORT MOODY, British Columbia, March 13, 2013 - Today, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Port Moody--Westwood--Port Coquitlam), announced support for projects that will benefit the Tri-Cities.

Funding will support a wide range of arts, culture and official language organizations, as well as infrastructure improvement projects across the municipalities of Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy. Organizations receiving support include the Port Coquitlam Spirit Committee, the Port Moody May Day Task Force, and La Société Francophone de Maillardville.

"Our Government recognizes that heritage and culture, as well as recreation and public spaces, are important generators of economic growth, jobs and wealth in our communities," said Minister Moore. "Beyond their economic impact, arts and culture, together with sport and recreation centres, help to create a space for the community to come together. These investments will help ensure that the Tri-Cities continue to be a great place to live, work and raise a family."

"Supporting infrastructure projects like the ones announced here in the Tri-Cities area today is a priority for our Government," added the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "The Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund is strengthening our communities, while supporting jobs, growth and long-term prosperity."

"Mackin Park is the centre of Coquitlam's oldest neighbourhood, a community that is currently undergoing revitalization efforts," said Mayor Richard Stewart, City of Coquitlam. "We are thrilled to be able to take advantage of this great opportunity to enhance the park and natural spaces in Maillardville."

"On behalf of the Spirit Committee, I want to thank the Government of Canada for its contributions in helping Port Coquitlam celebrate our community spirit and heritage," said Mayor Greg Moore, City of Port Coquitlam. "We have a lot to be proud of in Port Coquitlam. As we mark our 100th birthday throughout 2013, we're celebrating where we came from, but we are also looking for ways to build on what we've achieved."

"It's great to see the federal government recognizing the importance of both physical and cultural capital in our community, through the funding that Minister Moore has announced today," said Mayor Mike Clay, City of Port Moody. "This contributes significantly to our Centennial celebrations and assists in facility upgrades at the Port Moody Recreation and Art Centres. Additionally, we appreciate the federal commitment to our community as seen in the funding for arts and culture programs and the contribution to Golden Spike Days, the signature Port Moody celebration around Canada Day."

"On behalf of the organizations and volunteers involved with celebrating Port Moody's centennial, I'd like to sincerely thank the Government of Canada for its financial support," said Robert Simons, Chair of the Port Moody Centennial Ad Hoc Committee. "Port Moody's 2013 centennial celebrates the heritage, arts, culture and people of our community. Our centennial celebrations will honour our past and set the stage for our next 100 years."

The Government of Canada has provided total funding of $1,669,251 through the Department of Canadian Heritage, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Western Economic Diversification Canada.