Today, the federal government announced $9.9 million in joint federal funding to support extensive renovations to the First Light Friendship Centre.
This announcement was on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
This new funding will specifically support extensive renovations of the First Light Friendship Centre’s existing structure at 40 Quidi Vidi Road for use by the Indigenous community in St. John’s, and non-Indigenous residents in the surrounding neighbourhood.
Through the urban component of the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Fund, Indigenous Services Canada is providing $9.4 million for this crucial project.
The urban component of this fund is designed to support and invest in the immediate infrastructure needs of Indigenous communities for ongoing, new and shovel-ready projects.
In addition, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, is providing a $497,250 to support the construction of a pedestrian accessibility bridge that will provide access for all community members from the parking lot to the elevator and second floor of the facility.
The Canada Community Revitalization Fund, launched in June 2021, provided $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for people in Canada.