THOROLD,
ON, April 26, 2024 /CNW/ - Thorold's historical artifacts are about to
get an upgraded, modernized home thanks to a joint investment of
more than $7.8 million from the
federal and municipal governments.
Announced by Parliamentary Secretary Vance Badawey and Mayor Terry Ugulini, this project will convert the
retired Fire Station 1 into an energy efficient, climate-controlled
cultural hub that will protect and preserve the history of
Thorold.
Fire Station 1 is moving to a brand-new, modern facility that
will leave behind a vacant facility that will house the Thorold
Historical Museum and Cultural Centre. The former fire hall will
act as a catalyst for future investment and interest in
Thorold's downtown and become an
important meeting place for the community.
The re-design of the facility will increase comfort and
usability, while honouring its past as a fire hall. Funding will
support site works that include accessible improvements such as a
new elevator and barrier-free modifications to meet the highest
accessibility standards. Major updates to the exterior of the
building will improve insulation, prevent leaks, and enhance energy
efficiency. Finally, the building will receive a new,
state-of-the-art HVAC system that will not only support heating and
cooling, but will also control humidity levels in the building to
ensure ideal preservation of the historic artifacts that will be on
display.
Vibrant, inclusive and thriving communities are built through
the infrastructure that brings people together and shares our
diversity, history and cultural values. Federal investment in these
spaces and resources are an important part of achieving our climate
goals, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life in
communities around the country.
Quotes
"Fire stations house the protectors of our communities. It's
only fitting that the old walls of Fire Station 1 will continue to
protect our community's history and culture. Thorold is a
dynamic and changing city and as it continues to make history,
having the spaces and facilities to record and preserve our
knowledge will ensure we can continue to learn and grow as a
society."
Vance Badawey, Parliamentary
Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for
Niagara Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister
of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"Securing the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Funding
from the Federal Government, for our new City of Thorold Historical
Museum and Culture Centre signifies more than a financial gain. It
demonstrates that both of us are dedicated to preserving our
history and culture! We would like to extend our gratitude to the
federal government, Minister Sean Fraser, MP Vance Badawey and the Thorold Museum Committee
Members, for their unwavering support in obtaining funding for this
important community project. Through these efforts, future
generations will have a better understanding of the past, while
being guided toward a brighter future."
His Worship Terry Ugulini, Mayor of the City of Thorold
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $6,272,000 in this project through the Green and
Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program and the City of Thorold is contributing $1,568,000.
- The GICB program was created in support of Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy
Environment and a Healthy Economy. It is supporting the Plan's
first pillar by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing
energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate
change.
- The GICB program aims to improve the places Canadians work,
learn, play, live and come together by cutting pollution, reducing
costs, and supporting thousands of good jobs. Through green and
other upgrades to existing public community buildings and new
builds in underserved communities, the GICB program helps ensure
community facilities are inclusive, accessible, and have a long
service life, while also helping Canada move towards its net-zero objectives by
2050.
- The program is providing $1.5
billion over five years towards green and accessible
retrofits, repairs or upgrades.
- At least 10 percent of funding is allocated to projects serving
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous
populations in urban centres.
- The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community
Buildings Program is now closed.
- Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the
contribution agreement.
Associated Links
Green and Inclusive Community Buildings
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gicb-bcvi/index-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-on-eng.html
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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada