Montreal (Quebec), May 4th 2021 - At a time when the pandemic is making Canadians aware of the importance of health in our daily lives, the governments of Canada and Quebec are proud to support nearly 200 recreational and sports infrastructure projects across the province. Thanks to these investments, Quebec municipalities will have access to modern and safe facilities, which encourages physical activity throughout our communities.

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Member of Parliament for Laurier–Sainte-Marie and Minister of Canadian Heritage, echoed an announcement by the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Isabelle Charest, provincial Minister for Education and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, of funding for the development of sports and recreational facilities in the former Sainte-Brigide Church. Thanks to this funding, community members of the Centre-Sud area will have access to modern, safe and secure facilities that promote active, healthy and inclusive lifestyles. 

The project, which is being carried out by the Association les Chemins du Soleil, the Centre culturel et communautaire Sainte-Brigide, Cirque Hors Piste and Sans oublier le sourire, involves the development of two recreational and sports facilities. The work includes levelling the floor of the nave for the needs of a second multifunctional sports platform, suitable for the practice of sports and physical activities that require a free and unobstructed height; fixing a structure for the rigging required for the practice of circus arts; replacing the roof; and bringing the building up to standard, with the replacement of the heating system and the installation of a ventilation system and a fire alarm system. 

The Government of Quebec is investing $1 401 615 through the Programme d’aide financière aux infrastructures récréatives et sportives, while the Government of Canada is investing $1 401 615 through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Program.

Sainte Brigide Church

Quotes

"Sports and recreational activities are essential for leading a healthy and active life and staying connected to the community. In Montreal, the Government of Canada is investing $ 1 401 615 in the sports and recreational infrastructure project in the former Sainte-Brigide church to improve sports and recreational infrastructure and help create good jobs when they are needed most. Canada's infrastructure plan is investing in thousands of projects, creating jobs across the country and building cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

- The Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"More than ever, we are aware of the importance of being active. This is why we are putting in place measures that enable Quebeckers to move around more. Access to modern, high-quality sports and recreation infrastructure strongly incentivizes regular physical activity. These projects will have a concrete impact on the quality of life of families and the vitality of our communities. I hope that thanks to the investments we are announcing today, our entire population will be able to enjoy the pleasure of physical activity. "

- Isabelle Charest, Minister for Education and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women 

"Thanks to the tireless work of the groups involved, the former Sainte Brigide Church is already offering a multitude of activities for the community. I am proud to support them in the realization of their mission through the development of sports and recreational facilities that are worthy of the residents of the Centre-Sud. "

- The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Member of Parliament for Laurier–Sainte-Marie and Minister of Canadian Heritage

Quick facts:

• Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), the federal government is investing more than $7.5 billion in Quebec between 2018 and 2028 in community, cultural and recreational infrastructure projects, green infrastructure, public transit, and infrastructure in rural communities.
• The Government of Quebec’s Recreational and Sports Infrastructure Financial Assistance Program (PAFIRS) is part of ICIP and the Integrated Bilateral Agreement (IBA), which aims to implement ICIP in Quebec and establish the terms, obligations and commitments of the parties. PAFIRS has a budget of $294 million. 
• Quebec’s Ministry of Education is responsible for implementing the Recreational Infrastructure sub-stream of the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure stream of the IBA. 
• By funding projects to build, develop, renovate, upgrade, expand or redevelop recreational and sports infrastructure, PAFIRS aims to support the presence of recreational and sports infrastructure that is in good condition in all regions of Quebec and to increase access to this infrastructure for Quebeckers.

Related links

Investing in Canada project map

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Infrastructure Canada projects and programs in Quebec

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/qc-eng.html

Investing in Canada plan – Building a better Canada

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

For more information please consult the PAFIRS web page

Contacts

Chantalle Aubertin

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

613-941-0660

[email protected]

Alice Bergeron

Press Secretary for the Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

418-997-4093

[email protected]