NORTH VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/30/12 -- Today, Andrew Saxton, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and for Western Economic Diversification, and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding to rehabilitate Maplewood Farm under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

"Our Government is continuing to support communities across Canada by investing in the renewal and improvement of local facilities," said Parliamentary Secretary Saxton. "This project will help to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for North Vancouver."

Federal funding of $249,920 will help the District of North Vancouver to rehabilitate Maplewood Farm's infrastructure which will increase visitor use and improve accessibility. The project will add an enclosed multi-purpose area to an existing building, construct six shelters by the animal viewing pens, renovate six washrooms and add interpretive signage.

These improvements will provide the centre with new, modern components and increase accessibility for visitors to the farm.

"The District is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to upgrade Maplewood Farm's infrastructure," said North Vancouver District Mayor Richard Walton. "The grant, which the District will match, will allow us to carry out much needed upgrades to the Farm, including increasing accessibility for persons with disabilities."

Maplewood Farm is a five-acre farm located in the Seymour area of North Vancouver. Home to over 200 animals and birds, it is one of North Vancouver District's most popular visitor attractions, receiving approximately 90,000 visitors per year.

CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the Fund in Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating, small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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