MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – MIL OSI Regional News in French
Press release
Edmonton, Alberta, May 3, 2024 — Edmonton’s downtown core will have a renovated facility to deliver a vital range of programs and services thanks to a joint investment of more than $45 million from the federal government and Boyle Street Community Services.
Announced by Minister Randy Boissonnault and Jordan Reiniger, Executive Director, Boyle Street Community Services, this new building will be better suited to provide health and support services to people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Edmonton’s growing downtown core.
The new Okimaw Peyesew Kamik (King Thunderbird Centre) will be an accessible, energy-efficient building that will replace the former community centre. It will provide essential health and housing services, while supporting Edmonton’s vulnerable community, all under one roof. Located two blocks north of the former location, the centre will feature a private outdoor space for ceremony and land-based healing, as well as 75,000 square feet of indoor space, including a triage area for those waiting for health supports and services. Improvements to this innovative, solution-focused space include improved accessibility to services on the ground floor and the integration of important aspects of Indigenous culture and ceremony throughout the building. The renovated building, which will be carbon neutral, will serve as the headquarters for Boyle Street Community Services.
For over 50 years, Boyle Street Community Services has been working to help people experiencing homelessness and poverty. The new facility will allow Boyle Street Community Services to continue its long-standing work in the community, providing vital programs such as basic needs support, health services, addictions assistance, identification and financial services, cultural healing and essential services.
Quotes
“Through this significant investment in the new Okimaw Peyesew Kamik (King Thunderbird Centre) in Edmonton, the federal government is helping to improve Edmonton’s downtown core. By ensuring Boyle Street Community Services continues to operate in a centralized location that provides a safe and reliable space for the community, we will make our downtown core a safer and more vibrant place to work and live. This world-class facility, which is being built to better meet the unique needs of a vulnerable population, will provide dignified support to those who need it most in our city.”
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“Today’s transformative $21 million contribution to Okimaw Peyesew Kamik (King Thunderbird Centre) through the BCVI grant from the Government of Canada is ensuring that the people our organization serves receive the health and community services they need in a welcoming, accessible and beautiful building. It is also enabling us to build a carbon neutral and climate resilient building that will enable our organization to sustainably support our community for decades to come. The success of this project is yet another testament to the care and compassion that exists in Edmonton and Canada. It reminds us of what can be accomplished when we come together and put the dignity of our most vulnerable neighbours at the heart of our efforts.” On behalf of everyone who works at Boyle Street, I want to thank Ministers Boissonnault and Fraser, and their teams, for their dedication and commitment to our organization, and for their role in making okimaw peyesew kamik a reality.”
Jordan Reiniger, Executive Director, Boyle Street Community Services
Quick Facts
The federal government is investing $21,000,000 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program, and Boyle Street Service Society is investing $24,023,383.
These improvements are expected to result in annual fuel savings of approximately 99% for the facility and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 709 tonnes.
The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program was created to support Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. It supports the first pillar of the Plan by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency, and by helping to build resilience to climate change.
The program provides $1.5 billion over five years for modernization, repair or improvement work that promotes the environment and accessibility.
At least 10 percent of the funds are allocated to projects for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, which includes Indigenous populations in urban centres.
The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program is now closed.
On December 18, 2023, the federal government launched the Prairie Green Economy Framework, which highlights the need for a collaborative, regional approach to sustainability, focused on strengthening the coordination of federal programs and initiatives with significant investments. The Framework is the first step in a journey that will bring together many stakeholders. PrairiesCan, the federal department working to diversify Canada’s Prairie economy, has committed $100 million over three years to support projects aligned with priority areas identified by Prairie stakeholders to create a stronger, more sustainable and inclusive economy for the Prairie provinces and Canada.
Infrastructure Canada supports the Prairie Green Economy Framework to encourage greater collaboration on investment opportunities, leverage additional funding and attract new investment to the Prairies to better meet needs.
Related links
Contact persons
For further information (media only), please contact:
Mathis DenisPress OfficerOffice of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages343-573-1846mathis.denis@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media RelationsInfrastructure Canada613-960-9251Toll Free: 1-877-250-7154Email: media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram And LinkedInWebsite: Infrastructure Canada
Elliott TantiDirector, Communications and EngagementBoyle Street Community Services587-338-4025etanti@boylestreet.org
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.