BRANTFORD — Wilfrid Laurier University and the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford are moving ahead with design and consultation plans for a community athletics and recreation centre in downtown Brantford, thanks to an investment of $253,750 from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). The federal funding announcement was made today by Brant MP Phil McColeman.

“Our government continues to make direct investments in our community and provide a boost to our economic future,” McColeman said. “This investment represents a significant step towards revitalizing our downtown core and it paves the way for the continued development and growth of our post-secondary education sector.”
The funding will support the development phase of a 115,000-square-foot athletics and recreational centre that would be used by students and the broader community. This unique community partnership involves the YMCA and Laurier Brantford, with support from Nipissing University and Mohawk College and the anticipated involvement of Six Nations.

“On behalf of all of our partners involved in building a new downtown recreation complex, we are truly appreciative of the support of the federal government,” said Jim Commerford, President and CEO, YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford. “This funding will substantially assist all partners to begin design on a full-service recreation complex that will best serve and reflect the health enhancement, social, and educational needs of the entire Brantford community.”

Since opening a campus in downtown Brantford in 1999, Wilfrid Laurier University has worked in partnership with the community to serve the needs of students and the broader population. A shared athletics and recreational centre is in keeping with this approach and will benefit the growing number of students who are choosing to pursue their education at Laurier Brantford.

“We thank the federal government for its support and we appreciate the ongoing assistance of Brant MP Phil McColeman in this important community project,” Laurier President Dr. Max Blouw said. “A shared athletics and recreational centre is a significant milestone in the positive transformation of downtown Brantford and Laurier Brantford. It is also another example of how educational institutions can work with surrounding communities to leverage the benefits of the knowledge economy.”
The federal contribution announced today will be funded through the Community Adjustment Fund, a two-year, $1-billion national program aimed at addressing the short-term economic needs of communities hit hardest by the global economic recession.

FedDev Ontario was created as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to support economic and community development, innovation, and economic diversification, with contributions to communities, businesses and non-profit organizations in southern Ontario. To learn more about FedDev Ontario and the Community Adjustment Fund, please visit the web site at http://www.feddevontario.gc.ca, or call 1-866-593-5505. For additional information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca.