Middleton Library Expansion Project Booked
SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Middleton Library Expansion Project Booked
Residents of the Middleton area can look forward to improved community library services due to a project funded through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.
Joint federal and provincial funding of $60,666 was announced today by Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
"The government of Canada is committed to improving community infrastructure and improving our quality of life," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we are investing in projects like the Middleton Library expansion which are designed to meet these goals."
The program is designed to invest in the infrastructure needs of Nova Scotia communities through the support of long-term economic growth, community infrastructure improvements, environmental enhancements and the building of 21st-century infrastructure through better technologies, new approaches and best practices.
"The library is an important institution in any community," said Mr. MacIsaac. "The Middleton library is a popular and well-used facility. This expansion will encourage even greater use of this community resource."
The $91,000 Middleton and District Library expansion project is designed to meet the need for improved services and extra space. The expanded library will be more accessible to people with disabilities and will have more books and publications, as well as improved research and computer services. The federal and provincial funding under the program is subject to the formal acceptance of the Town of Middleton, which will fund the balance of the project.
"The importance of literacy can never be stressed highly enough," said Calvin Eddy, mayor of Middleton. "Our community asked for expansions to their library and today we are very pleased to answer that demand."
"A key part of any community is having a place for residents to gather and share in special events and learning opportunities," said Rosa Harvey, chairperson of the Friends of the Middleton and District Library Society. "Because of this expansion project, our library will be that place."
This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the program. To date, 44 projects have been approved during Year 1 of the program, representing an investment of more than $43 million. Additional announcements are expected as projects undergo environmental assessment and final approval.
The $195 million, six-year Canada/Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is a member of the management committee. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is represented on the program's management committee.