Residents of the Town of Collingwood will benefit from federal and provincial infrastructure funding for Downtown Collingwood Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Economic Revitalization plan.

"This project is an example of both governments' commitment to stimulating the Ontario economy through the creation of jobs in our communities" said M.P. Helena Guergis. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is getting shovels in the ground and is flowing money faster to stimulate the economy and create jobs for Ontarians" Guergis added.

The governments of Canada and Ontario will each invest up to $2 million in the project. The Town of Collingwood will contribute $2 million and the Collingwood Downtown Business improvement Area has committed $1 million.

Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier said that the town is fortunate to have one of the best historical and most beautiful downtowns in the Country. "Our downtown has long been a tremendous supporter of many local initiatives and events. It is fantastic to see a re-investment by all three levels of government into our largest economic generator and major employment centre" Carrier added.

Michael Christie is not only a long-time member of the BIA Board, but also runs a family business in Downtown Collingwood. "I think today's announcement establishes that Collingwood's downtown is a central business place for the area, and is a place that people can come down and enjoy at any time" Christie said. "Right now the economy isn't what we'd like but we know long term there will be a big benefit" Christie added.

BIA Chairperson Jeffrey Shearer says the funding announcement assures the future of Downtown Collingwood. "We are twenty-five to thirty years old in terms of everything that you see around you in downtown Collingwood, and this will give us a chance to totally improve our lighting and sidewalks, we'll have bike lanes, new outdoor furniture; it will be a dramatic improvement over what we have" Shearer said.

The project is one of many across Ontario that will break ground thanks to $3.9 billion in joint federal and provincial funding. The governments of Canada and Ontario have taken steps to get shovels in the ground and to flow money faster for targeted infrastructure projects starating in the 2009 construction season.