For Immediate Release
November 16, 2007
John Baird announces $50 million for Ottawa Congress Centre expansion
(OTTAWA) - John Baird, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean and Minister of the Environment, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, together with Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orléans, today announced that the Government of Canada has identified the expansion of the Ottawa Congress Centre as a priority for funding consideration under its new Building Canada infrastructure plan.
The contribution from Building Canada would be a maximum of one-third of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $50 million. This is an increase of $20 million from the original commitment of $30 million made by the Government of Canada towards the project.
"The Ottawa Congress Centre is an essential part of the cultural experience in the National Capital Region and our Government is here today to reaffirm our commitment to its growth," said Minister Baird. "As a priority under Building Canada, the expansion of the Ottawa Congress Centre will help promote Ottawa as a world-class convention destination while increasing tourism, business and job opportunities in the region."
The Ottawa Congress Centre is planning to expand to more than 200,000 square feet, which would make it the fourth largest convention centre in Canada. The total cost of the expansion is estimated at $159 million.
Federal financial support for the expansion of the Ottawa Congress Centre is conditional on the initiative meeting all applicable federal eligibility requirements under the Building Canada infrastructure plan, successful negotiations with the Province of Ontario of a Framework Agreement under Building Canada, as well as confirmation of municipal approval and participation from other partners for the balance of the funding required. The Ottawa Congress Centre will need to put in place a detailed business plan for the expansion, obtain any necessary approvals and secure the full financing required to access federal funding for the project.
On November 6, 2007, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, officially launched Building Canada. Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer and better country.
Photo (L-R): Local figures give a thumbs-up as John Baird, MP (Ottawa West-Nepean) announces $50 million for the expansion of the Ottawa Congress Centre. John Baird, MP was joined by Graham Bird, President of Graham Bird & Associates, Mary Pitt, Member of the Ottawa Congress Centre Board and Jim Durrell, Chair of the Ottawa Congress Centre Board.
Further information:
Office of John Baird, MP
Ottawa West-Nepean
613-996-0984
