Ground breaking for new Killarney Seniors Centre in Southeast Vancouver


VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Jan. 9, 2017) - All Canadians deserve to live in healthy and vibrant communities where they can connect and participate in activities year round. The governments of Canada and British Columbia are committed to supporting social infrastructure that enriches the lives of Canadians and builds stronger community ties.

Today the Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Suzanne Anton, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Vancouver-Fraserview; Acting Mayor Raymond Louie, on behalf of Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson; and Park Board Vice-Chair Erin Shum, on behalf of Chair Michael Wiebe; celebrated the start of construction of the new $7,500,000 Killarney Seniors Centre. This important milestone marks the beginning of an eagerly awaited facility dedicated to providing southeast Vancouver's growing senior population with much needed programs and support services.

Once complete in early 2018, the 10,000-square-foot structure will offer instructor-led recreation programs, drop-in recreation activities, a hot lunch program, off-site excursions and outings, special events, and a variety of support services such as education and development programs.

Quotes

"Public infrastructure connects people, creates healthy communities and long-term prosperity for Canadians. We are proud to be supporting the development of the Killarney Seniors Centre to bring these vital services to seniors in southeast Vancouver. I look forward to seeing this facility completed and enjoyed by many."

The Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"It is a thrill to be here today at the milestone ground breaking for the new Killarney Seniors Centre at Killarney Park. It is a tribute to those in the neighbourhood who have worked so hard to bring us to this milestone, led by Lorna Gibbs and the Southeast Vancouver Seniors' Arts and Cultural Society. When I was elected, I made the promise that the Province would contribute $2.5 million in total, which has been achieved. This is a great day for Vancouver-Fraserview."

Suzanne Anton, MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview

"In the next 25 years, the population of seniors - and the need for seniors' facilities in Vancouver - will grow exponentially. The Killarney Seniors Centre will be a space that seniors and the broader community can be proud of: one that brings families together, and keeps seniors living in their neighbourhoods close to the amenities and community they cherish."

Gregor Robertson, Mayor of the City of Vancouver

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada is contributing up to $2,500,000 to this project through the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component.
  • The Government of British Columbia is contributing $2,500,000 while the City of Vancouver is contributing the remaining $2,500,000.
  • The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia

Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component

New Building Canada Plan

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada

Contact Information:

Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149
brook.simpson@canada.ca

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250-356-6334

City of Vancouver Corporate Communications
604-871-6336
media@vancouver.ca

Park Board Communications
604-257-8699
Pbcommunications@vancouver.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
media@infc.gc.ca

Company ProfileInfrastructure Canada;City of Vancouver;Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation;Government of British Columbia