Ontario Supports New Community Centre in Temagami First Nation
Press Release
Province Taking Steps Toward Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
July 9, 2016
Ontario is investing $750,000 towards the construction of a community centre that will provide spaces to gather, learn and do business in Temagami First Nation.
Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, David Zimmer, joined community leaders in a sod-turning ceremony in the community to mark the announcement. Construction of the new centre is expected to be completed in early 2018. The Temagami First Nation Multi-Use Facility and Business Centre will include a community centre, job training facility and business centre.
Through the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program Ontario is helping Indigenous communities and organizations build and renovate needed community infrastructure, such as community centres, daycare facilities or small business centres.
Investing in programs like the Aboriginal Community Capital Grant Program is one of many steps on Ontario’s journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It reflects the government’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners, creating a better future for everyone in the province.
Investing in Indigenous infrastructure is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario’s history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
Quick Facts
- The Temagami First Nation Multi-Use Facility and Business Centre will use renewable energy including solar power and geothermal heating.
- The 2016/17 Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program is currently accepting applications for construction and renovation/retrofitting from June 22, 2016 – July 29, 2016 through Grants Ontario.
- In accordance with the government’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, the name of the program will be changed to the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program.
- Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history — about $160 billion over 12 years for projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals. This investment is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province. In 2015, the government announced support for more than 325 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life.
Additional Resources
Quotes
“It is important that Indigenous communities like Temagami First Nation have a gathering place for cultural activities and community development initiatives. Ontario is committed to working with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit partners to create prosperous, healthy and strong communities. This is the foundation for lasting reconciliation in Ontario.”
David Zimmer
Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
“Investing in strong, reliable infrastructure across the province is part of our government’s four-part plan, and supports our top priority to grow the economy and create jobs. We know that projects like this will support the growth and development of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities by providing everyone with the opportunity to contribute to Ontario’s success.”
“The contribution from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation supports the Temagami First Nation in the completion of the Multi-use Facility and Business Centre; a multi-million dollar project that once completed in less than two years, will house the continuing advancement of our people, community, nation now and into the future. Temagami First Nation further acknowledges the positive working relationship and change in the progress of relationship building moving forward with the Ontario government.”
Media Contacts
Flavia Mussio
Media Contact
Flavia.Mussio@ontario.ca
416-314-9455
Polina Osmerkina
Minister’s Office
Polina.Osmerkina@ontario.ca
(416) 314-2529
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