YELLOWKNIFE (January 10, 2012) – The Town of Fort Resolution had double cause for celebration last week as residents officially opened two community buildings. A new Youth Centre Complex and the retrofitted Antoine Beaulieu Hall will now provide opportunities for youth development and space for community gatherings.

“The Government of Canada is proud to be a partner in these wonderful projects in Fort Resolution that will help contribute to a healthy and vibrant community,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for the Canada Northern Economic Development Agency. “Canada’s Economic Action Plan has helped to boost the economy and create jobs, while improving public infrastructure across Canada.”

“The new Youth Centre Complex provides opportunities for young people to pursue healthy activities and creates a new learning environment in the community,” said Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. “Retrofitting older buildings like the Antoine Beaulieu Hall can add new life to infrastructure and provide updated spaces where communities can come together.”

The new youth centre offers activities ranging from cultural and traditional games to computer classes, and includes space for recreational activities such as billiards. The total eligible cost was $1.4 million. Federal funding was provided through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, which is part of the Building Canada plan.

Canada is providing the Northwest Territories a total of $185.8 million under the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund.  This funding has been fully committed toward 63 priority infrastructure initiatives worth over $310 million.

The retrofitting of Antoine Beaulieu Hall, which included electrical and mechanical upgrades, has opened more space to accommodate large groups and community events. Antoine Beaulieu Hall benefitted from investments of $250,000 from the Government of Canada. The Hamlet of Fort Resolution matched federal contributions with community public infrastructure funding provided by the GNWT. Federal support for this project came from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Canada and the Northwest Territories are working together to create jobs and boost the economy while making significant investments that will help communities improve their infrastructure. The Government of the Northwest Territories worked with the Northwest Territories Association of Communities to ensure that infrastructure funds are delivered quickly and efficiently for priority initiatives throughout the territory.

For more information about infrastructure projects and initiatives that have been funded by the Government of Canada in the Northwest Territories, please visit infrastructure.gc.ca.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.

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