Harper Government Invests in Improvements to Fernie's Community Infrastructure

FERNIE, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 4, 2013) - Today, David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the Fernie & District Historical Society, under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

"Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our communities," said MP Wilks. "By improving facilities such as this, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians."

Federal funding of $30,300 will help restore the Fernie Museum and Information Centre's historic building exterior. The project will improve the safety and longevity of this important tourist destination.

"Fernie's suite of heritage buildings are seen by our citizens, businesses, local government, and visitors to our community as an asset," said Laura Nelson, President, Fernie & District Historical Society. "The funds provided by Western Economic Diversification's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) will complete the restoration of our building's exterior and will respect and protect Fernie's heritage for the benefit of existing and future generations."

CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the Fund in Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating, small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
604-666-1318


Michael Pennock
Curator
Fernie & District Historical Society
250 423 7016
Email: history@ferniemuseum.com
Website: www.ferniemuseum.com


WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca