Strathroy ON - MP Bev Shipley for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex today announced that two projects throughout in Strathroy and Oneida Nation of the Thames are moving forward thanks to an investment of more than $796,000 to stimulate local economies under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in Southern Ontario.
 
The Strathroy District Arts Council will receive $400,000 towards architectural designs and cost determination of constructing an arts & entertainment centre.
 
Oneida Nation of the Thames will receive $396,900 for the relocation of the water supply control building to a higher elevation to prevent flooding.
 
Both projects are being funded at 100 per cent.
 
Shipley said both projects are important to their respective communities. “The Strathroy District Arts Council have invested considerable time and effort to develop an arts and entertainment centre and this funding will go a long way towards bringing their dream to reality.”
 
With respect to the Oneida Nation of the Thames Shipley noted the funding continues to build on the Government’s commitment to improve the safety of water infrastructures in First Nations communities across the country.
 
These investments will create immediate employment opportunities and support local economies in communities throughout Southern Ontario with populations of fewer than 250,000 that rely heavily on manufacturing and natural resources.
 
These projects were part of the up to $102 million investment made through the Community Adjustment Fund for 2009-2010, announced on August 27 by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, newly appointed Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). It is the government's intention to support a total of 90 projects in communities across Southern Ontario that are struggling with the effects of the global economic downturn.
 
Applications for 2010-2011 CAF project funds will be accepted by FedDev Ontario later this year. A public announcement will be made once details are finalized.
 
CAF is just one in a series of initiatives introduced in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan designed to address the short-term effects of the economic decline on communities across Canada, while preparing our communities for long-term growth. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.