SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 12/14/12 -- Today, Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood-Port Kells, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding that has been provided for upgrades to the Guildford Community Centre and Library's carpeting, basement and lighting under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

"By improving facilities such as this, we are helping to boost economic activity while improving local infrastructure," said MP Grewal. "With today's investment, our Government is demonstrating our commitment to creating jobs, growth and long-term economic prosperity."

With the $150,000 in federal funding, the City of Surrey will replace the library carpeting and reconfigure the basement of the library to form a study area. The City will also install new energy efficient lighting fixtures at both the recreation centre and the library. Not only will these new components replace aging ones, but they will increase efficiency and lower electricity consumption.

"We are pleased to partner with the federal government to upgrade the Guildford Community Centre and Library to modernize the space and improve the energy efficiency of the building," said Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. She added that the City of Surrey is contributing $150,000 to the project.

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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