(Brantford) June 5, 2009/ - The “Tournament Capital of Ontario” will soon have a 4-Pad arena to host tournaments thanks to a joint effort by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. 

Brant MP Phil McColeman and Brant MPP Dave Levac were on hand Friday to announce that the federal and provincial governments will each inject $12.9 million into the project, with the City funding the balance.

"I am very delighted and excited that our dream of creating a 4-pad arena at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre will become a reality.  With all three levels of government working together, this will continue to build a better Brantford and will significantly enhance our position as Tournament Capital of Ontario,” said Mayor Mike Hancock.

The Build Canada Fund includes funding from the additional $500 million national “top up” for the Communities Component announced for projects that can be built over the next two years, which is being matched by the Government of Ontario.  The governments of Canada and Ontario are contributing two-thirds of the total eligible costs of these projects, while Ontario communities are contributing the remainder of the funds.

“This investment will create hundreds of jobs now, right here in Brantford,” said McColeman.  “When this global economic slow-down is over, Brantford will be seeing millions of sport tourism dollars coming into the City.”
"Today we continue the very smart trend of working together, co-operating, and being respectful partners to build a better community at all three levels of government,” said MPP Levac.  “It's what the public expects and wants. This project was proposed by the City. Congratulations to all City staff, stakeholders, City Councillors and the Mayor, Provincial and Federal officials for getting things right."

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