CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

One to go

City approved for most projects under COVID-19 Resilience funding

Mar 10, 2021 | 12:35 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Funding for nearly all of the stimulus projects the city submitted for approval under a federal program has been approved.

In August the federal government announced the COVID-19 Resilience funding stream under the existing Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The change allowed municipalities to reallocate funding for projects that would stimulate local construction and support economic recovery from the pandemic.

The City of Medicine Hat decided to reallocate $10.9 million of the eligible $13.4 million to the COVID-19 Resilience Stream. City council approved 13 projects for submission in October and only approval for sidewalk rehabilitation still pending from the federal government.

The approved projects include upgrades to Athletic Park, Pedestrian and Cycling Trail Development and Rehabilitation and reforestation of Echo Dale.

“2020 was a challenging year for Canadians and the municipality is not sheltered from the economic impacts of the pandemic. We’re grateful that the provincial and federal governments were responsive to the needs of municipalities and placed immediate economic stimulus directly into the hands of our communities,” says Mayor Ted Clugston. “The support from the ICIP Resilience program will help drive economic growth in our region by creating jobs and positioning Alberta as a great place to live, work and do business.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

19h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

The ICIP approvals come in addition to the projects approved through the Municipal Stimulus Program, announced late 2020 by the Province of Alberta.

“I want to personally recognize the governments of Canada and Alberta for their thoughtfulness and foresight in creating this program. We are excited to build upon the connections and momentum established through the province’s Municipal Stimulus Program (MSP),” adds Clugston.

Under the new stream, the government funds 80 per cent of eligible capital costs for approved projects that must be completed by the end of the year.

“This program will provide a much-needed boost in our community after a very challenging year,” says Chris Perret, director of Land Development and Real Estate with Invest Medicine Hat. “We are up to the challenge and ready to work with the private sector to put shovels in the ground.”