Infrastructure in Quebec

Renewing the heart of Acton Vale

Arena upgrades

Project location: Acton Vale

"There are no words to describe just how happy I am," said Patrice Dumont, Acton Vale town councillor, speaking about the project to expand and upgrade the Acton Vale Sports Centre.

Built in 1969, the Sports Centre no longer met the needs of Acton Vale's 7,500 residents. Upgrades were funded in part through the Communities Component of the federal Building Canada Fund.

The project involved expanding the centre and bringing it up to modern standards, as well as redesigning the interior to improve performance and sustainability.

The ground floor now has a box office and food service area, as well as storage, cloakrooms and washrooms with showers.

The mezzanine level serves as a meeting centre, with conference and multipurpose rooms, offices, and an observation area overlooking the skating rink.

Mechanical and electrical upgrades are improving the ice-cooling system, and the building is now more accessible to people with disabilities.

Federal contribution: $2,111,156

Unique arts centre benefits from renovations

Project location: Alma

The Langage Plus artists' centre is a contemporary arts facility that promotes creativity and showcases the work of local, Canadian and international artists. The multidisciplinary centre was established in 1979 and is cooperatively managed by local artists. It has been described as an important player in Quebec's visual arts community.

Thanks to the support from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Langage Plus artists' centre has undergone major renovations. The centre's main exhibition space and exterior were upgraded, and the basement was refinished to accommodate the evolving needs of the centre. It now houses a multimedia room, documentation centre, offices and storage space for exhibit material. The centre also sports two workshop spaces, a multipurpose room and kitchenette to facilitate educational programs.

Langage Plus can now expand its programming to facilitate artistic collaboration in the community and with other partners.

Federal contribution: $368,300

Make way for arts and culture

Project location: Baie-Comeau

The city of Baie-Comeau now has a large-scale cultural centre thanks to joint funding through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The project, totalling over $10 million, saw the completion of a major expansion of Théâtre de Baie-Comeau to create the Centre des arts.

The cultural centre, which completed construction in fall 2010, brings training activities in dance and music together under one roof. The new premises provide space for classes, rehearsals and outreach in both disciplines. They also house a municipal library service location as well as the administrative offices of Théâtre de Baie-Comeau.

The new, more intimate performance hall can accommodate 275 to 500 people, depending on the configuration of the space. According to the general manager and artistic director of the Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau, Louis Morin, this is an asset that increases opportunities for outreach. This venue will also host residencies for theatre companies and musicians to create new works.

Federal contribution: $3,031,700

New theatre brings extra entertainment opportunities

Project location: Baie-du-Febvre

Soon after opening in the 1950s, the Théâtre Belcourt shifted its focus from being an arts theatre to being a community movie theatre. It served as a multipurpose venue in the following decades, until being re-established strictly as a performing arts theatre in 1998. Even with renovations over the years to increase its hosting capacity, the facility could not accommodate the growing needs of the Baie-du-Febvre area.

Thanks to a contribution from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, residents in the region are now enjoying a wide variety of entertainment in a brand new building. The new theatre includes 75 more seats. Upgraded security devices and technology have improved the safety of both artists and patrons. To maintain the legacy of the original building, it also incorporates an interior wall of the old theatre.

By providing the community with more entertainment options in a more comfortable environment, this project has not only helped facilitate the growth of the arts in the region, but also the local economy.

Federal contribution: $1,083,000

Beauceville renovated its sports facility

Project location: Beauceville

The Beauceville Cultural and Sports Centre was built in 1967, and the semi-Olympic Yvan-Cliche pool was built in 2004. These facilities needed major renovations in order to continue providing quality services to the public.

Work is now complete on upgrades to the pool and the recreation centre thanks to a contribution from the Government of Canada's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

Various elements of the plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems were replaced and several components of the building's structure were renovated. The building now complies with new air quality standards, and uses less energy.

Paul Morin, Manager of Recreation for Beauceville, commented at the project announcement that "the restoration of the Beauceville Cultural and Sports Centre, including upgrading the aquatic facilities, will allow the City of Beauceville, our Regional County Municipality (RCM) and the region to maintain first-class recreational infrastructure."

Federal contribution: $812,343

Improving on "sheer bliss"

Improvements to Bellechasse Cycle Route

Project location: Regional County Municipality (RCM) of Bellechasse

Improvements to the Bellechasse Cycle Route—known as "74 kilometres of sheer bliss"—have been completed.

Located in the Chaudière-Appalaches region just south of Québec City, the paved bicycle trail follows the Etchemin River from Saint Henri south to Saint-Malachie then east to Armagh.

Safety improvements include widening and levelling the path, expanding the shoulders, installing fences and redeveloping intersections with public roads.

The bikeway has also been extended by 900 metres with the addition of two urban road segments, one behind the Exceldor plant and the other in the Municipality of Saint-Malachie.

The route not only provides residents with great cycling but also promotes tourism and contributes to rehabilitating and revitalizing municipal lands. The project was funded in part through the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund-Quebec.

"This project allowed us to correct deficiencies path users had reported to us," said Christian Noël, Assistant Director General of the Regional Municipality of Bellechasse. "Thanks to the corrective measures that have now been made, we can safely say that our bike path is now among the best."

Federal contribution: $264,294

Ensuring reliable infrastructure

Project location: Bromont

Residents of Bromont now have a more reliable, sustainable water supply.

The town used $1,576,899 from the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund to rebuild the water infrastructure along a 2,400-metre span of Shefford Street, one of the town's main thoroughfares.

Four water main breaks in five years, combined with inefficient residential foundation drains, had left the town with serious concerns about the safety of the municipal drinking water, problems with water pressure, and water shortages due to seepage from the leaking water mains. Sewage had also been backing up in some homes.

The federal funding helped Bromont replace the water mains and separate the drainage network from the potable water network. This has restored public health and safety and addressed water shortage problems by using available water more efficiently.

In highlighting the benefits of the project to the entire community, Mayor Pauline Quinlan pointed out that the work also meets Bromont's sustainable development goals and will help ensure the continued growth of the community.

Federal contribution: $1,576,899

Modernizing the Mistassini arena

Project location: Dolbeau-Mistassini

The town of Dolbeau-Mistassini has only around 15,000 residents, but its two arenas are used to full capacity, often welcoming the region's hockey teams, figure skating clubs and speed skating clubs. The arenas, which were built in 1947 and 1973, needed numerous renovations to continue hosting amateur sports teams.

Funded partly by the Communities Component of the federal Building Canada Fund, this project allowed the City to revitalize both areans.

The roof and siding on the Mistassini arena was replaced and the ice-making system brought up to code. The arena was also expanded to include a storage area, a first aid room and a ventilation system.

Besides saving energy and meeting new environmental requirements, these improvements have provided the people of Dolbeau-Mistassini with modernized infrastructure that will fulfill the community's needs for years to come.

Federal contribution: $2,318,493

Improving access to Donnacona and expanded markets

Project location: Donnacona

Highway 40 is part of a major national and international trade corridor between Windsor and Québec City.

Efficient access to this route is crucial for Donnacona, a small town of 6,000 inhabitants located just 40 kilometres west of Québec City. Its strengths as a major pulp and paper producer came to an end after the local mill closed in 2007. Now a vibrant centre for tourism drawing close to 300,000 visitors a year, the town needs sound road and water infrastructure to ensure its ongoing and future prosperity.

Work in Donnacona, funded in part by the federal government's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, included reconfiguring on- and off-ramps, extending les Écureuils Boulevard, and rebuilding curbs and catch basins. Water and wastewater systems were also modified and a new wastewater pumping station was built.

This work is helping stimulate Donnacona's economic growth by providing better access to Highway 40's broader markets and traffic volumes. It has also provided visitors with a more scenic entry into the community.

Federal contribution: $1,100,000

Drummondville improves its water and sewer lines

Project location: Drummondville

The broad range of small to medium-sized businesses makes Drummondville a dynamic place where life is good. To continue providing its citizens and businesses with high-quality drinking water and with sewage treatment, significant upgrades were needed for the municipality's water and sewer systems.

Thanks to joint funding from the federal and provincial governments through the Programme de renouvellement des conduites d'eau potable et d'eaux usées (PRECO), this work is now complete. The Government of Canada's contributions to PRECO projects come from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

The City used the funding to upgrade the piping in four areas. In 2009, water and sewer pipes were restored under Saint-Omer Street between Fournier and Saint-Henri. By September 2010, drinking water and sewer lines had also been restored under Lemire Boulevard, and Landreville and Rajotte streets between Saint-Pierre and Saint-Alfred streets.

These projects have helped ensure the community will have a safe water supply and a reliable sewage system for years to come.

Federal contribution: $247,010

Water and sewer lines renewed in Granby

Project location: Granby

The City of Granby is expanding. Numerous families have chosen to move there as have a number of internationally recognized industries. Conscious of their environmental impact, residents support municipal efforts to maintain the local water and sewer system.

Thanks to joint funding from the federal and provincial governments through the Programme de renouvellement des conduites d'eau potable et d'eaux usées (PRECO), seven water and sewer pipe replacement projects were undertaken. The Government of Canada's contributions to PRECO came from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, one of the funding programs established through the Economic Action Plan. Several work sites were established along the streets of the municipality, including some in the neighbourhood of Saint-Urbain, where several main transportation arteries were affected.

The municipality benefited from the deadline extension offered by the Government of Canada for the completion of Economic Action Plan projects. As a result, Granby had until October 31, 2011, to finish the work.

Even though most of the work was completed on time on Saint-Valier and Saint-Jean-Baptiste streets, the road paving was delayed until spring 2011. Snow also delayed work at other job sites but most of the work to replace the underground pipes on Edouard, Déragon, Denison Ouest, Long, Pelletier and Vittie streets was completed by December 2010.

Thanks to this new infrastructure, the residents of Granby will benefit from high-quality drinking water for years to come.

Federal contribution: $3,896,560

Improvement to Route 155 in the Saguenay

Project location: Lac-Bouchette

Route 155 is the only road linking the Mauricie and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean regions. It continues as Highway 55 past Shawinigan, heading north along the Saint-Maurice River.

Road repairs had become inevitable in order to ensure the safety of users and the economic development of the region. Since forestry is the main economic activity in the region, Route 155 sees a great deal of heavy truck traffic. Potholes and numerous cracks made the journey between the two regions more and more dangerous.

In the Lac-Bouchette sector, grading and paving fixed the severely damaged roadway. The road was deeply rutted, making driving dangerous. Two curves responsible for a number of accidents near Lac-à-Belley were also repaired and the shoulders were paved along a distance of 60 kilometres, improving safety on this important axial highway.

This project was made possible by financial support from the federal government's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

Federal contribution: $3,321,000

Optimization for the Véloroute des Bleuets

Project location: Lac-Saint-Jean

The Véloroute des Bleuets is an important feature of the Lac-Saint-Jean area which involves 15 surrounding municipalities. Funding for this project enhanced the safety of the circuit's bikeways by carrying out various excavation, land-use planning, paving and signage operations.

By keeping the path in great shape, local communities hope to maintain the loyalty of existing cyclists and increase its usage by drawing more visitors to the region of Lac-Saint-Jean. By investing in the Véloroute des Bleuets project, the Government of Canada has improved citizens' well-being, created jobs and supported a strong economy.

"With its 200,000 visitors, the Véloroute des Bleuets [Blueberry bicycle route] is recognized as an incentive to attract tourists to the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region," said Jean-Claude Lindsay, President of the Véloroute des Bleuets. "The route's annual economic impact is valued in excess of $8 million, which benefits many parts of the region. Thanks to this contribution, we expect an increase in user satisfaction and the bicycle route's popularity."

Federal contribution: $1,793,391

Desjardins drinking water facility

Project location: Lévis

Providing reliable drinking water that meets growing community needs is fundamental to economic growth and sustainable development. The City of Lévis, across the St. Lawrence River from Québec City, recognized the need to expand its capacities to prepare for future growth. Along with residential development, the City's professional services, business, government and educational institutions have all grown since 2004.

The Desjardins Drinking Water Treatment Facility upgrade project supports this and future growth by expanding the filtration plant. The goal is to almost triple its production capacity. Adding filters and an ultraviolet disinfection system, completing building repairs and exterior work at the site all form part of the project. A new water intake next to the St. Lawrence River and a larger raw water pumping station will also contribute to the goal.

"The work done at the Desjardins Plant will increase the production capacity, which will go from 25,000 m³/day to 65,000 m³/day to meet the needs of the Lévis, Lauzon and Pintendre areas for the next thirty years," says Lévis Mayor Danielle Roy Marinelli.

Federal contribution: $10,786,000

Underground pipe renewal for Magog

Project location: Magog

Located in the heart of the Eastern Townships, the town of Magog is well endowed with sports, cultural and tourist infrastructure. In order to be able to continue to offer its citizens a high-quality environment, the municipality needed to invest in refurbishing the municipal potable water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

The federal and provincial governments both participated in this major infrastructure project under the Programme de renouvellement des conduites d'eau potable et d'eaux usées (PRECO). The Government of Canada's contribution to PRECO came from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

At the time of the announcement, Mayor of Magog, Vicki May Hamm, remarked: "This project will allow us to maintain, and in many cases improve, the quality of the water distributed in our municipal systems."

The municipality restored sewer lines along several main routes. Work took place on East Main Street and Saint-Patrice Street, where a new and innovative technology was used. Instead of the traditional felt sheathing, a flexible fiberglass membrane was installed in the pipes. This technology makes repairs and maintenance easier, limiting excavations and reducing environmental impacts.

Federal contribution: $830,720

A new slab for part of Highway 15

Project location: Mirabel

Highway 15, also known as the Décarie, crosses the Island of Montréal from north to south. This major road is part of a network that serves the vast majority of the Montréal suburban area. It carries over 112,000 vehicles a day and maintenance of the surface of this part of the highway has become essential to traffic and user safety.

Thanks to financial support from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, 7.7 kilometres of the highway between Mirabel and Blainville has now been repaired. Workers also rebuilt the overpass over Victor and Charles Streets and the Sainte-Marie River.

Motorists now travel a safer, more fluid highway that preserves an essential link in the economic development of the region.

Federal contribution: $11,350,000

Common access point for trucks at Port of Montréal

Project location: Montréal

Each year, millions of tons of merchandise pass through the Port of Montréal. The container port must manage the access of 2,500 trucks a day to maintain security and control over the movement of merchandise.

Thanks to an investment from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Government of Canada increased the efficiency of control measures. The financial assistance allowed the Port to create a common access and exit point for all trucks, as well as corresponding infrastructure for each of its terminal buildings.

The Port installed new technology and tools that maximize the control of truck movements and sustain security, and help manage the flow of goods. Automated checkpoints, cameras and information management systems were installed at each terminal building, each linked to the main entry computer systems. This new infrastructure has increased the Port's capacity, efficiency and competitiveness. Besides reducing local traffic congestion, the reduced truck wait times also helps protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Federal contribution: $5,500,000

Exciting new developments at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts

Project location: Montréal

Thanks to support from the Major Infrastructure Component of the federal Building Canada Fund, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has two exciting new facilities.

A new pavilion devoted exclusively to the museum's extensive Canadian art collection has five stories and includes six exhibition halls to showcase some of the most prominent artists in the country's history. The building provides twice the space to exhibit this collection and connects to the Museum's other three pavilions by an underground walkway.

The Museum also restored the historic Erskine and American Church, located within its quadrangle of buildings. The nave, which features magnificent stained glass Tiffany windows, was equipped to become a venue for concerts and other musical and cultural activities.

Founded in 1860, the Museum was the first art museum to be established in Canada and is now one of the country's most visited institutions. It is also one of Montreal's biggest tourist draws, a position these new facilities will help foster for years to come.

Federal contribution: $13,000,000

Preserving our heritage at Maison Saint-Gabriel

Project location: Montréal

Montréal's Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage of 17^th century New France settlers. The museum includes a small farm that has been administered by the Sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame for more than 300 years. Declared a national monument of interest in 1965, it became a museum in 1966.

The project to refurbish the museum was made possible through a contribution from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund together with investments from the Government of Quebec and Maison Saint-Gabriel itself.

The improvements have expanded the facilities to accommodate a steadily growing number of visitors, transformed a neighbouring building to include service upgrades, and added a tunnel linking the two buildings. Specialized equipment has also been installed to track energy use.

All these improvements will not only allow the museum to expand its programming, but will also provide visitors with a first-class experience.

Federal contribution: $2,100,000

Significant upgrades to a cultural gem

Project location: Montréal

The Quartier des spectacles has served as the heart of Montréal's main cultural events for over 100 years. It has hosted numerous outdoor festivals, including the City's famous International Jazz Festival.

Located in the heart of Montréal's downtown core, the Quartier des spectacles is surrounded by more than 80 other cultural venues, including 30 performance halls. Collectively, the venues provide enough seating to accommodate almost 30,000 audience members, representing a huge tourist draw for the City and substantial economic spin-off benefits for surrounding businesses.

Thanks to a financial contribution from the Major Infrastructure Component of the Government of Canada's Building Canada Fund, the City of Montréal is giving this sector of the downtown core a significant facelift.

Work includes the creation of five new public squares to host more outdoor events and frame important cultural facilities like la Maison Symphonique de Montréal, the new home of the Montréal Symphony Orchestra. Extensive work to resurface the area's roads, and enhance sidewalks and streetscapes and to improve any underground infrastructure is also part of the overall project.

With three of the project's four phases now complete, Montréalers, visitors and surrounding businesses are already enjoying the benefits of this major transformation. A final phase will develop Clark Esplanade, a new outdoor multipurpose stage, and improve its surrounding streets.

Once fully complete, the work will help attract even more events and tourists to this popular area, which many say is rivalled only by New York's Broadway district in terms of cultural assets.

Federal contribution: $40,000,000

The Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui is ready to charm the public

Project location: Montréal

Located in the heart of downtown Montréal on Saint-Denis Street, Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui, which was founded in 1991, is devoted exclusively presenting Québecois theatrical productions. To continue to support local theatre and to adapt the performance halls to new technologies, several renovations and upgrades to the building were necessary.

Partly funded through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the project enhanced the efficiency and comfort of the main hall. In a context where theatre art is making an important shift towards multimedia, the project included the addition of a new rehearsal room, changes to seating space and the rehabilitation of the stage floor in the main hall. In addition, upgrades were completed in the administrative and client service areas. The theatre was also able to purchase specialised equipment.

"It is a breath of fresh air, a second life for the theatre," underlined the Chairman of the Théâtre d'Aujourd'hui's board of directors, Robert Chevrier. "It will allow us to be more creatively dynamic and to be less static in the way we present performances."

Federal contribution: $685,833

Stimulus funds provide upgrade

Community centre receives a facelift

Project location: Princeville

In Princeville, the Pierre-Prince Community Centre plays an essential role in town life.

Many community groups use the Centre's facilities, and it provides a venue for recreational activities and meetings, and a hall for community suppers, dances and theatrical events. But it had been 35 years since the Centre last received a major facelift.

With $126,252 from the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, matched by the provincial and municipal governments, Princeville undertook essential upgrades to enhance the functionality and safety of the building.

The funds paid for mechanical and electrical updates, improved wheelchair accessibility, and upgrades to the kitchen and washrooms.

Renovations also included an updated entranceway and stairwells, better air conditioning, and a new stage so the Centre could expand programming to include larger theatrical and musical productions.

"For the people of Princeville," said Mayor Gilles Fortier, "this project means a lot and will have a big impact on daily life."

Federal contribution: $126,252

Airport renewal improves quality of life in Puvirnituq

Project location: Puvirnituq

The Puvirnituq Airport is the transportation hub of the West Nunavik region and plays a key role in the development of the area as well as residents' quality of life.

The governments of Canada and Quebec invested more than $45 million in major improvements to this airport between 2009 and 2012. More than $30 million in federal funding came from the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund and another $1 million from the Airports Capital Assistance Program.

Thanks to these investments, many airport improvement projects were completed, including a new garage, runway extension, larger aircraft apron and a new terminal four times bigger than the original building. The airport access road and navigation aid equipment were also relocated.

The work allows the airport to accommodate bigger aircraft that can carry both cargo and passengers, which reduces Montréal-Puvirnituq flight times. This also means that West Nunavik receives better-quality perishable goods. The runway improvements make it easier for medical evacuation aircraft to operate safely in poor weather, improving patients' access to emergency health care in urban centres.

The design of the new terminal was developed in consultation with the community and reflects Inuit culture from the outside in. The building and décor follow the form and function of a qamutik sled, an essential mode of transportation in the North whose versatility and dependability have allowed it to endure to this day. The copper-clad terminal integrates the qamutik shape and features undulating wooden ceilings to mimic its movement across the snow. Cultural artifacts, contemporary sculpture and Inuit artwork round out the features of this innovative regional cornerstone.

Improving air connections in remote communities is essential to increasing their potential for future development. With these projects, Nunavik is now among the best-served remote regions in the country in terms of air transportation.

Federal contribution: This initiative is one of 64 receiving funding from the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund. The Government of Canada is investing $175 million in infrastructure improvements in Quebec through this fund.

Expanded sports facility preparing athletes for world stage

Project location: Québec City

The Sports and Physical Education Pavilion (known by its French acronym PEPS) at Université Laval has been serving students and Québec City residents since 1970. Its ice arena, olympic-size pool and outdoor stadium host numerous sporting events each year.

Construction is now complete on a significant expansion and renovation to the facility thanks to financial assistance from the Major Infrastructure Component of the federal Building Canada Fund.

The new indoor soccer and football stadium boasts a 60 x 100-metre synthetic turf field and seating for about 500 people. Renovations to the exisiting stadium's exterior are also complete, as is the construction of a regional fitness centre and a new sports amphitheatre, which can be converted into training areas for badminton, basketball and volleyball clubs. A second Olympic-size pool helped create a regional aquatics centre that will be open to the public, along with regional swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming clubs.

"The PEPS project is a major economically stimulating and motivating project that represents an important asset for the University, its community, and residents of the greater Québec City area," commented Denis Brière, Rector of Université Laval.

The new and improved Sports and Physical Education Pavilion positions Québec City to host major national and international sports competitions. It will also support the development of top-calibre regional athletes, encourage more residents to get active and provide economic spin-off benefits that will resonate throughout the region.

Federal contribution: $37,500,000

New east-west axial highway

Project location: Québec City

Residents of Québec City are finding that traffic is better in the borough of De La Haute-St-Charles thanks to a new east-west axial highway.

This project consisted of extending Lepire Street for two kilometres between De la Colline Boulevard and Valcartier Boulevard. Studies have shown that over 12,000 vehicles a day are taking the new route.

Before it was created, drivers had to make a long detour to get to CFB Valcartier and the Henri-IV Highway. According to Mayor Régis Labeaume, the road shortens people's travel times, makes the road safer by redirecting heavy vehicles toward the highway and gives emergency services faster access.

The governments of Canada and Québec City shared the project costs equally. Some of the funding comes from the federal government's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

The long-awaited road is helping to improve citizen's quality of life.

Federal contribution: $2,000,000

The Desjardins-Télus concert hall in Rimouski adds a string to its bow

Project location: Rimouski

The concert hall in Rimouski now has an orchestra pit that can accommodate about 50 musicians. Partly funded by the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the installation of an orchestra pit is a major asset for the Desjardins-Télus concert hall, which regularly hosts large-scale productions.

The addition of such equipment is growing in popularity. It makes the job of the technicians easier and safer. They used to have to change the pit configuration manually between productions, which took a team of five or six technicians several hours and increased the risk of an accident.

The new hydraulic lift system makes the 903-seat concert hall one of the best equipped in Quebec. This equipment will greatly reduce the hall's operating costs, and artists will be able to give their imagination free rein by configuring the stage in various ways.

Federal contribution: $153,300

Rivière-du-Loup now has an urban park

Project location: Rivière-du-Loup

The town of Rivière-du-Loup took advantage of summertime to develop a park in the heart of its downtown. The lot at the corner of Saint-Pierre and Desjardins Streets had been vacant for several years, and it has become a gathering place for the public.

The urban park includes two kilometres of walking and in-line skating trails, three sports fields and a natural amphitheatre. "The developments include large spaces that allow for and encourage spontaneous physical activities like ball games, kite flying, frisbee and so on," said the mayor of Rivière-du-Loup, Michel Morin.

Thanks to this project, partly funded by the federal government from the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund, the citizens of Rivière-du-Loup are enjoying a new green space.

Besides the many possibilities for sporting activities, the town will be able to use the park for cultural events. For instance, it is planning to display works of art there in collaboration with the Musée du Bas-Saint-Laurent. The urban park will be good not only for the local population and for businesses, but also for the large tourist clientele in the area.

Federal contribution: $1,533,063

Infrastructure suited to the residents of Roxton Pond

Project location: Roxton Pond

Faced with a major cyanobacteria problem, Roxton Pond is a victim of its own success. Its popularity has encouraged many cottagers to move there permanently.

Many of the properties around the pond had wastewater systems that didn't meet standards or didn't work. Inadequate filtration of wastewater was a danger not only for the environment but also for public health.

With the help of a financial contribution from the Communities Component of the federal government's Building Canada Fund, the Municipality of Roxton Pond extended its water and sewer network around Roxton Pond. Property owners can now connect to the system.

The work, carried out on the streets in the western part of town, reduced wastewater releases into the environment, which could contribute to the contamination of the pond. As well, three pumping stations and their attendant backflow pipes were installed.

Thanks to this infrastructure project, residents of Roxton Pond will be able to enjoy the pond without any danger of contaminating it.

Federal contribution: $1,800,000

Sprucing up downtown Kénogami

Project location: Saguenay

Kénogami, a neighbourhood in the Jonquière borough of the city of Saguenay, was showing obvious signs of economic decay. There were a lot of vacant premises, often outdated, and low commercial diversity. Among strategies to revitalize the area, the municipality decided to improve the image of downtown Kénogami.

The federal government's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, along with investments by the Government of Quebec and the city of Saguenay, have breathed new life into the area.

Redevelopment included new sidewalks, streetlights, benches and greenery along main arteries such as Montcalm, Price and Saint-Hubert Streets and Du Royaume Boulevard. By renewing downtown infrastructure, the municipality has attracted real estate developers. Construction of new housing in the neighbourhood will allow the public to get maximum enjoyment from the new facilities.

Federal contribution: $3,585,672

Saint-Adrien-d'Irlande now has access to safe drinking water

Project location: Saint-Adrien-d'Irlande

The 400 residents of Saint-Adrien-d'Irlande now have ready access to drinking water thanks to the replacement of the potable water system.

The boil water advisory, which had been in effect since 2001, meant that the townspeople had to obtain drinking water supplies from tank trucks. The existing system was 50 years old, and the pipes no longer complied with regulations, especially in terms of diameter, materials, depth and connection types. As well, many leaks in the network posed a threat to consumers' health.

An investment made under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund recently made it possible to replace the existing water pipes, providing the residents with a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water.

The replacement network will mean fewer infiltrations and less water contamination. Users now have access to this valuable and essential resource. This project also means that there is less water wastage and no need to bring in water from outside the town.

Federal contribution: $97,750

A multipurpose centre

Project location: Saint-Agapit

The colorful municipality of Saint-Agapit needed somewhere to showcase its talents. The cultural centre, built 42 years ago, no longer met its needs. Instead of investing in a facility that was no longer adequate, the municipality decided to tear down the building and replace it with a larger multipurpose centre.

The Government of Canada participated in this project with a contribution from its Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The new centre offers many possibilities, including a place for exhibits of the works of regional artists and a variety of public theatre and musical performances.

The recently finished multipurpose centre includes a reception room and a conference room for various community activities, along with a fitness centre, an interpretative centre for the arts and municipal offices.

This type of infrastructure will encourage sustainable economic and social development in the region and contribute to a regional feeling of ownership.

Federal contribution: $2,511,418

Browsing for books at Saint-Aimé-du-Lac-des-Îles

Project location: Saint-Aimé-du-Lac-des-Îles

Since a fire destroyed their library in 2009, residents of Saint-Aimé-du-Lac-des-Îles had nowhere to browse for books.

The Government of Canada participated in reconstructing the building with a contribution from its Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The recently completed project better meets the needs of the population with a modern, functional and attractive facility.

The new library is twice as large as the old one, increasing the number of documents available to users and creating areas for consultation, reading and work. The new multipurpose room is a spot to develop a cultural program for all audiences. Since it was rebuilt, the library offers improved services. Its hours of operation are longer and staff has been added to meet the demand.

Saint-Aimé-du-Lac-des-Îles is a hunters' and fishermen's paradise in the Laurentians, but the new library is a perfect spot for those who would rather read about adventures than live them.

Federal contribution: $89,500

New water mains for Saint-Lazare

Project location: Saint-Lazare

Located in Montérégie near the Ontario border, the city of Saint-Lazare is growing rapidly. Its rural ambience and the availability of socio-cultural and sports services are attracting young families.

It had become necessary to renew the municipal drinking water and sewer systems on Aberdeen Street in order to ensure residents' quality of life. This is why the government of Canada participated financially in this project through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund as part of the federal-provincial agreement on the Programme de renouvellement des conduites d'eau potable et d'eaux usées (PRECO).

The work contributed to the municipality's action plan to renew its water main.

This new infrastructure will supply the residents of Saint-Lazare with quality drinking water for years to come.

Federal contribution: $14,100

New multi-use recreation centre a hive of activity

Project location: Saint-Léonard-d'Aston

During the past few years, the creation of an industrial park and housing developments have contributed to the growth of Saint-Léonard-d'Aston. The availability of services has encouraged many families and businesses to move to the region.

However, the absence of an arena meant that residents had to drive more than half an hour to play ice sports. To support its economic growth, the municipality decided to invest in its sports facilities.

The local population and that of surrounding municipalities now have a new place to practice their favourite sports and recreational activities. The Centre multifonctionnel Richard-Lebeau was partly funded by a contribution from the Communities Component of the federal government's Building Canada Fund.

The new 2,787-metre building is conveniently located next to local high school, La Découverte. Under one roof, it brings together an arena, a gym with several rooms, locker room facilities, storage space and various related services.

Thanks to this modern facility, the municipality can now host and organize major sporting events.

Federal contribution: $1,704,618

New opportunities for outdoor activity

Project location: Saint-Tite-des-Caps

The population of Saint-Tite-des-Caps is benefitting – summer and winter – from a large sports and recreation area that is close to its primary school and church.

A federal contribution from the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund, which helps accelerate infrastructure projects in small communities, allowed the municipality to renew its outdoor sports facilities.

An ice rink, complete with a lighting system and shelter for skaters, was installed just in time for winter. In addition to investing in new recreational infrastructure, the funding was used to rehabilitate existing facilities. The tennis courts were restored and an old baseball diamond was replaced with a new soccer field.

Two rest areas were also constructed. One will border the river and the other is located near Route 138 to help attract tourists travelling through the area. Both will provide people using the new cycling and walking trails with a place to rest and stretch their legs.

Federal contribution: $276,879

Community centre updated

Project location: Sainte-Sabine

A number of cultural and sporting organizations meet in the Sainte-Sabine Community Centre. It houses a meeting room, an insurance office, the municipal office and the library.

If users were going to be able to continue their activities, the municipality had to invest in renovating the building. Besides being poorly insulated, the roof was leaking and one of the brick walls was threatening to collapse.

Thanks to a contribution from the Government of Canada's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, Sainte-Sabine was able to update its community centre.

The municipality is now saving on heating costs because the attic has been insulated and a number of windows have been replaced. The building's roof and fire escape were repaired and the brick wall was replaced with sheet metal.

With a suitable place to enjoy physical activities and organize social events, the facility will contribute to the vitality of the community by helping the people of Sainte-Sabine to stay active.

Federal contribution: $55,000

Expansion of the Sayabec Community Centre

Project location: Sayabec

Sayabec is a small municipality on the Gaspé Peninsula that has been hit hard by the crisis in forestry. The Community Centre is at the heart of community activities. It is one of the few centres in the region able to host larger events such as exhibitions, performances or conferences.

During the 2006 strategic planning exercise, the municipality's 2,000 or so residents indicated that they wanted to improve community and recreational services.

This wish is now a reality thanks to a federal contribution from the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund to renovate and enlarge the Community Centre. The work involved expanding the storage area, the bar-kitchen and the stage area. As well, the building sports a new roof and siding, and additional parking spaces.

Besides increasing the services offered, the project places the municipality in a more competitive position.

Federal contribution: $593,630

Port of Sept-Îles: Investments to meet growing demand

Project location: Sept-Îles

As one of the most important ore handling ports in Canada, demand for services at the Port of Sept-Îles is expected to grow as the market for iron increases over the coming years. Located on a prime maritime route between North America, Europe and Asia, and providing year-round access to the St. Lawrence, the port rates among the most important in the country with nearly 80 per cent of merchandise destined for international markets. The port also forms a core part of the regional economy, and helps ensure community development and business diversification.

Thanks to federal investments amounting to almost $25 million through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the port was rehabilitated and expanded to be able to meet the increasing demands of local and international markets. The work focused on improvements to port operations, in particular, the expansion of the pier's iron ore shipping and storage capacity to more than twice its current capacity.

"With the anticipated start-up of new iron mines in Northern Quebec," says Pierre D. Gagnon, President and CEO of the Port of Sept-Îles, "these investments are a first step in preparing for the expected growth in iron ore shipments in the coming years. They are key to fully optimizing the [port's] potential."

In line with the development of a large number of major mining projects on the North Shore, this project will have a highly positive effect on medium- and long-term economic development in the region while creating short-term jobs.

Federal contribution: $24,535,000

New regional conference centre for Sherbrooke

Project location: Sherbrooke

Located in the heart of the Estrie region, Sherbrooke is not only a university town, but also one of the province's most important commercial centres. In addition to a number of regional hospitals and universities, the city offers numerous attractions that make it an excellent venue for events.

With funding from the Large Urban Centres Component of the Building Canada Fund, Sherbrooke built a new regional events centre.

Open since January 2011, the centre offers meeting and exhibition space that accommodates a wide variety of client needs.

The ground floor features exhibition space, a ticket office, a first aid centre, and a snack stand. The second floor comprises a large conference room, two additional meeting rooms and a special room to host honoured guests. The project also included a new parking lot with about 700 parking spaces.

Constructed close to major highways and commercial zones, the centre will help stimulate economic activity for surrounding businesses and the region as a whole.

Federal contribution: $5,839,087

An essential stopover in Témiscaming

Project location: Témiscaming

The town of Témiscaming has participated in the Quebec Department of Transportation's Village-Relais program since 2008. To keep its accreditation, the town has to offer motorists a high-quality rest area.

However, the municipal rest area was over 30 years old and had never been renovated. Major work was needed so that it would remain an essential stopover for visitors and the town would keep its title of Village-Relais.

A recent contribution from the Communities Component of the federal government's Building Canada Fund was used to modernize the rest area. It was totally repaved and the concrete edges were redone. As well, a comfort station was built, the picnic area was refurbished and access for those with reduced mobility was improved.

This project gives both the residents of Témiscaming and visitors access to safe, modern facilities.

Federal contribution: $20,691

World competitiveness

Meeting the needs of tomorrow

Project location: Trois-Rivières

The Trois-Rivières Port Authority has a long-term modernization plan to help the port grow and prosper in an increasingly competitive world economy. Thanks to a contribution from the federal government's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the City has now completed a key component of this plan.

Port and intermodal operations are now much more functional due to the upgraded rail handling capacity and warehousing capabilities. The port is also better integrated with the surrounding urban environment with the addition of dust collectors, green spaces and improved traffic control. As well, workers altered the port's entry points to improve security and public access to the St. Lawrence River.

Pierre Ducharme, Chairman of the Board of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority, welcomed the changes from the beginning, pointing out that "the transformation of our port into one that meets the needs of tomorrow will facilitate the emergence of new national and international markets."

Federal contribution: $5,905,001

Renovated concert hall benefits music conservatory and local community

Project location: Val-D'Or

The Val-d'Or Cultural Centre includes the municipal library, an exhibition centre and the Félix-Leclerc Hall. The hall had offered seating for 130 people and hosted civic meetings for over 30 years, but was in need of renovation.

The residents of Val-d'Or are now enjoying an improved hall thanks to a federal contribution from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The hall was almost doubled, making room for 230 seats. A new loading dock was also added, along with an extra dressing room for performers. As a result of the renovations, the hall can now be configured to suit multiple purposes, including both larger and smaller events, and is fully accessible to persons with reduced mobility.

These improvements allow the hall to host a wider variety of events and activities. The project has also created a modern home for the Conservatoire de musique de Val-d'Or.

Federal contribution: $781,200

The inescapable draw of Lac-Saint-Jean

Project location: Vauvert

The Vauvert Tourism Centre, situated on the shores of Lac-Saint-Jean, is a vacation resort managed by the Municipality of Dolbeau-Mistassini. Whether for snowmobiling in winter or going to the beach in the summer, the site offers an unforgettable experience for visitors to the region.

In 2007, some round wooden cabins were constructed there and since then, the municipality has had to continue to invest into expanding its lodging capacity and tourism infrastructure.

Thanks to a contribution from the federal government's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the construction of new cabins and improvements to the campsites are now complete. In addition to work on the water, sewer and electrical systems, the project included the construction of a welcome centre, a laundry facility and buildings to house toilets and showers.

The project was important for the region of Maria-Chapdelaine, which was hard hit by the forestry industry downturn. In addition to supporting the local economy, the site improvements will help draw new tourists to the many other attractions in the region.

Federal contribution: $1,706,392