Markham celebrates Groundbreaking of Thornhill Community Centre and Library Expansion

April 23, 2010

MARKHAM, ONTARIO − The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Americas) and Member of Parliament for Thornhill, the Honourable Michael Chan, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism and Culture and Member of Provincial Parliament for Markham-Unionville, and His Worship Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of the Town of Markham, today celebrated the groundbreaking of the Thornhill Community Centre and Library Expansion.
 
“I am pleased to be a part of this groundbreaking for the expansion of the Thornhill Community Centre and Library,” said Minister Kent. “This is one of many projects in our region that our Government has supported under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which is creating jobs and boosting the economy today, and upgrading a building that residents will use for years to come.”
 
“Infrastructure investments are an important part of the province's new Open Ontario plan to create jobs and opportunities for Ontario families,” said Minister Chan. “A thriving community centre will be a focal point for Thornhill and a destination point for residents and visitors alike.”
 
“Markham is pleased to celebrate both our government partnership and the beginning of this important project for the Thornhill community, made possible through contributions from the Town of Markham, and the federal and provincial governments,” said Mayor Scarpitti. “This is a much needed expansion and renovation of the community centre and it will mean a new look, new computer facilties, and improved library, children, youth and seniors services for a growing community.”
 
The Community Centre and Library is a multi-purpose facility serving the residents living in Thornhill. This project will provide a dedicated youth centre, conversion of the library auditorium for library programs, and expanded space for the seniors’ centre. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards will also be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 
The governments of Canada and Ontario have each committed up to $2 million towards this project. The Town of Markham will contribute the balance of the total eligible costs of up to $6 million.
 
Federal support for this project is being provided through the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, a key component of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which invests in infrastructure projects across Canada to stimulate economic activity and create jobs.
 
The Province of Ontario’s contribution comes from the 2009 provincial budget that is supporting more than 300,000 jobs and strengthening Ontario's economy.
 
Since 2007, the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed more than $13 billion in funding to more than 6,400 infrastructure projects across the province.