Markham receives investments from Federal Government for community and recreation centres

MARKHAM, ON – February 21, 2024 – Announced earlier today, several community centres throughout the City of Markham will get retrofits to assist the City in reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to federal investments of more than $6.4 million, the Mount Joy Community Centre, Thornhill Community Centre, and the RJ Clatworthy Arena will receive energy efficient upgrades.

Announced by The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Markham—Thornhill, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, these projects will support improved well-being and more connected, sustainable communities.

All three facilities will see operations improvements through things like upgrades to the building envelopes, and enhancements to heating, ventilation, and lighting systems. Once complete, these facilities will be energy efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and have lower operational costs. These improvements are expected to reduce the energy consumption for Mount Joy Community Centre by an estimated 75.7%, Thornhill Community Centre by an estimated 25.9% and RJ Clatworthy Arena by an estimated 28.7%. Furthermore, Mount Joy Community Centre’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be reduced by 130 tonnes, Thornhill Community Centre GHG emissions by 405 tonnes and RJ Clatworthy Arena GHG emissions by 56.4 tonnes annually.

Quotes

“The City of Markham is extremely delighted to receive substantial funding from the federal government that significantly advances our efforts towards achieving our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The three community centres receiving these upgrades all play an essential role in providing space for Markham residents to connect and pursue recreational and social programs. This funding will ensure we can install the critical energy-efficient upgrades needed to become a more sustainable community. This project reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and makes a big step forward towards a net-zero Markham.” — Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti

“Our Markham-Thornhill community is one of the most diverse, inclusive and vibrant in Canada. Community centres and arenas provide the physical spaces where individuals form a community. Our Government’s investments in the Mount Joy Community Centre, Thornhill Community Centre, and RJ Clatworthy Arena will contribute to a healthy, prosperous and vibrant community.” — The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Markham—Thornhill, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“These facilities in Markham are important local hubs. Sports help bring people together, contributing to their health and strengthening our communities. By investing in these improvements, our Government is ensuring that these important locations will be safe, enjoyable and sustainable for years to come.” — The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Member of Parliament for Markham—Stouffville

“These investments, made through a program with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability, go beyond the physical enhancements. Improvements to recreational facilities make possible the sports and activities that foster shared experiences and a sense of unity. I am pleased that our Government is continuing to work with partners across the country to support these important projects.” — Paul Chiang, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Markham—Unionville

Quick facts

• The Federal Government is investing more than $5.8 million in these projects through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program (GICB). The City of Markham is contributing more than $1.5 million. The Mount Joy Community Centre is receiving an additional federal investment of more than $650,000 through the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF).
• The GICB program aims to improve the places Canadians work, learn, play, live and gather by cutting pollution, making life more affordable, 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.
• For more information, please visit the Infrastructure Canada website.
• At least 10 per cent of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.
• The GICB program was created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: a Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, supporting the Plan’s first pillar through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the increase of energy efficiency, and higher resilience to climate change. It is providing $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades.

Related Products

Backgrounder: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2024/02/backgrounder-federal-government-and-the-city-of-markham-invest-in-improvements-to-community-and-recreation-centres.html

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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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti’s Office: 
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
media@markham.ca

For more information (media only), please contact:

Micaal Ahmed
Communications Manager
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
343-598-3920
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca 

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Infrastructure Canada
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About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 357,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 

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