Community is an important part of Brampton’s identity: Ruby Sahota

On July 24 by Ruby Sahota and  Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains jointly announced  investing up to $2,941,775 for upgrades to playgrounds, parks, trails, a cenotaph memorial, a health and fitness centre,and an art gallery and museum in Brampton -- under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) .

Ruby Sahota said: “Community is an important part of Brampton’s identity. The residents of Brampton rely on community spaces and centres to connect and learn from each other. The investments made through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program exemplifies this Government’s commitment towards building stronger communities, supporting families and celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017."

CIP 150 -- which supports the renovation, expansion or improvement of existing community and cultural infrastructure was delivered
by regional development agencies across Canada to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.

Sahota  said these investments would benefit everyone in neighbourhoods across Brampton in accessing safer playgrounds, recreational facilities and improved spaces for arts, culture and nature exploration.

“This investment is a nation-building project to mark our nation’s 150th anniversary. There’s no better way to mark this milestone than
to celebrate the places that bring us together – the places that allow us to stay fit, unwind and connect with our friends and neighbours.
That’s how we establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the
world. The values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians are forged in our community spaces,” said Bains who is responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

FedDev Ontario -- an agency that helps in building strong communities by delivering programs to help in creation, retention and growth of
businesses to support a strong southern Ontario economy would fund of up to $88.8 million over two years for these projects across
Southern Ontario

As Canada celebrates the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, these projects would help the people of the nation to access and enjoy upgraded community spaces such as parks, trails, cultural and community centres and leave lasting legacy.

“In a diverse and fast-growing city like Brampton, it is vital to have recreational spaces that everyone can enjoy. We are pleased to be partnering with the federal government to improve the safety and accessibility of Brampton’s parks and playgrounds, and help make Brampton a more active, healthy and livable community,” said Linda Jeffrey, Mayor of Brampton

These projects represented 61 of over 730 projects approved to date in southern Ontario under the program’s two intakes.

“I am proud that our Government is investing in important community infrastructure projects in Brampton. These investments will mean that
Bramptonians can get more enjoyment out of these community facilities across the city, and in my riding downtown. As we celebrate Canada 150, we look toward the next 150 years and the future of our communities is an important piece to consider” said Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)