Downtown Collingwood BIA Chair Jeffrey Shearer was all smiles at a Friday, June 13th outdoor press conference in Downtown Collingwood. M.P. Helena Guergis was on hand to deliver a cheque from the federal government in the amount of $2 million dollars for the Downtown Collingwood Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Economic Revitalization Plan. In addition, the provincial government contributed $2 million dollars to the project, the Town of Collingwood will invest $2 million dollars and the Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area will add another $1 million dollars to the downtown revitalization project.

Mr. Shearer said that the funding announcement assures the future for the downtown, adding that the timing was right for the project to move forward, thanks to the generous federal and provincial funding initiatives. "It will be a dramatic improvement over what we have" Shearer added.
Downtown Collingwood business owner and BIA board member Michael Christie said that the funding announcement was "very satisfying" in light of the extensive planning that has gone in to the downtown revitalization plan.

Downtown Collingwood BIA Manager Sue Nicholson is grateful for the generous federal and provincial funding. "This is a true partnership from all levels of government, including our own municipal council" Nicholson said.

Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier said that efforts are underway in communities everywhere to add new life to downtown business districts, adding that Collingwood continues to lead the way when it comes to creating an ongoing vibrant atmosphere downtown. "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.


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