Salma Zahid

NEWS: $643,500 investment in Scarborough YMCA Rehabilitation

November 8, 2016

News Release For Immediate Release MP Salma Zahid Announces Important Investment through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in Scarborough Centre November 8, 2016 Scarborough, ON Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) Salma Zahid, Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, today announced that the YMCA of Greater Toronto will receive funding through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. FedDev Ontario has approved up to $643,500 for a total project cost of up to $1,950,000 for the rehabilitation of the Scarborough Town Centre YMCA Health and Fitness Centre. The investment will both improve accessibility and reduce energy use. Spaces throughout the facility will be made more accessible, meeting AODA requirements. Such changes will include renovating washrooms and meeting rooms, as well as adding ramps and new signage. Equipment will also be updated for energy-efficiency, the reduction of the YMCA's C02 footprint and to enhance the YMCA's ability to respond as part of its community resiliency strategy. For instance, lights will be retrofitted and a natural child care play space will be created on the roof of the Scarborough YMCA. Additionally, aging infrastructure will be refurbished. This announcement is one of over 380 projects approved through the Program that will improve and preserve community spaces across southern Ontario, with the aim of giving back to Canadians and creating a lasting legacy as Canada prepares to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. The Program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships and modernize existing community facilities. Quick Facts

The Scarborough Town Centre YMCA Health and Fitness Centre is a 25 year-old building, and this investment will allow it to meet modern standards for accessibility and energy efficiency.
Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program projects were selected based on program criteria; including the extent to which funding was leveraged from other sources, construction-readiness and linkages to Canada 150.
The Government of Canada’s contributions are contingent on the execution of contribution agreements with recipients.
FedDev Ontario received more than 1,100 applications, requesting over $260 million towards project costs totalling over $860 million.
On March 22, the Federal Budget, “Growing the Middle Class,” proposed to provide $150 million to support projects to renovate, expand and improve existing community and cultural infrastructure across Canada.
This new program investment and its parameters are under development. The federal Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) will determine how the funding is to be delivered in their respective regions.

Quotes “Through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, we are strengthening our communities across the country, making them safer and more prosperous places to live. The Scarborough YMCA at Scarborough Town Centre is a meeting place for the community, and this investment will help it to continue to bring Scarborough families together.”

MP Salma Zahid, Scarborough Centre

“The YMCA is committed to providing accessible environments that ensure a green future. Thanks to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, the renewal of spaces and equipment at the Scarborough YMCA will have a lasting impact that will resonate with the thousands of youth and adults who access the centre every day.”

Medhat Mahdy, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto

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