Canada and Ontario Invest in Improved Community, Cultural and Recreational Facilities in First Nation Communities in Ontario

Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation — Canadians everywhere are feeling the impact of COVID-19 on their families, their livelihoods and their way of life. Together, the governments of Canada and Ontario are working to reduce the impact of the pandemic, ensure health and safety, rebuild businesses, and promote job creation, growth and investment.

Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; the Honourable Jill Dunlop, Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues and Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe North; and Wanda Smith, Executive Director of the Native Horizons Treatment Centre, announced joint funding for projects that will improve community, cultural and recreational facilities in five First Nation communities in Ontario.

The Government of Canada is investing over $7.1 million towards these projects through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing over $1.7 million and recipients are contributing over $1.2 million to their respective projects.

In Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, improvements and upgrades to the Native Horizons Treatment Centre will allow clients to once again have access to important treatment and healing programs after a 2018 fire destroyed part of the centre. Work involves rebuilding portions of the building including the addition of multipurpose and spiritual rooms, and the construction of spaces for trauma-informed programming and cultural and land-based activities. Renovations will also occur to client lounge and laundry rooms, as well as the kitchen and dining areas.

An additional four projects will enhance the quality of community and recreational infrastructure in four First Nation communities across Ontario, by providing modern and functional facilities where all residents can access valued programs and services.

These projects include upgrades to community beaches in Bearskin Lake First Nation; renovations to the historical library building at Beausoleil First Nation; the creation of a new ice plant and the rehabilitation of a multipurpose room for Kingfisher Lake First Nation; and the construction of a housing facility to support residents though quality social and community services in Pikangikum First Nation.

All orders of government continue to work together for the people of Ontario to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province when needed most.

Quick Facts

• Through the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Across Ontario, the Government of Canada has invested more than $8.3 billion in over 2,880 infrastructure projects.
• Over the next 10 years, the Government of Ontario is investing approximately $320 million across the province, with the Government of Canada investing approximately $407 million, under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. This stream supports the construction of new facilities and upgrades to existing facilities that improve community infrastructure (e.g. community centres, libraries), recreational venues (e.g. arenas, recreational spaces) and cultural spaces (e.g. theatres, museums).
• Ontario is investing over $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure.

Quotes

“Community spaces and recreational centres are at the heart of places where people want to live and raise their families. In partnership with First Nation communities across Ontario, we are investing to upgrade community buildings and cultural centres that residents can enjoy for years to come. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

– The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Ontario is investing in these Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program projects to protect the health and the economy of everyone in these First Nation communities. These investments will ensure these facilities are upgraded to meet the needs of each community for many years to come.”

– The Honourable Laurie Scott
Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure

“Cultural infrastructure is significant for Indigenous communities like Beausoleil First Nation. Our government is taking action to help the families and community members who benefit from the revitalization project planned for the historic public library, including the improvements to make it more accessible for all individuals.”

– The Honourable Jill Dunlop
Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues and Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe North

“Native Horizons Treatment Centre Board, staff and communities are truly grateful for the approval of this project. Since the fire, we have received over 3800 truly heart-breaking calls from our communities seeking support in their recovery and healing journeys. Our new facility will finally be able to provide culturally specific, holistic and trauma conscious programming too individuals, families and communities. As well as relieving some of the back log at other Indigenous treatment centres created by our absence.”

– Wanda Smith
Executive Director of the Native Horizons Treatment Centre