For immediate release:
EDMONTON, AB, May 18, 2018 – The governments of Canada and Alberta have joined the City of Edmonton in recognizing the importance of investing in infrastructure that encourages learning, promotes inclusivity and improves community connections.
Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Shaye Anderson, Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs, were joined by Pilar Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of the Edmonton Public Library (EPL), to announce $4 million in joint federal-provincial funding for the revitalization of the Stanley A. Milner Library in downtown Edmonton.
“EPL is delighted with the commitment from both the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta,” said Martinez. “By joining the City of Edmonton in supporting the revitalization of the Stanley A. Milner Library, all three levels of government are investing in lifelong learning and opportunity for Edmontonians, as well as a thriving and vibrant downtown core.”
The $84.5 million renewal project, scheduled to open in early 2020, was approved by Edmonton City Council in December 2014, with significant support from the City of Edmonton and a commitment from EPL to contribute $10 million through community fundraising. To date, over $6 million has been raised.
The work being funded by the federal and provincial governments includes structural, mechanical and electrical upgrades, the addition of community meeting rooms, event space and improved accessibility.
“The Government of Canada recognizes that strategic investments in public infrastructure support community development and help create good jobs that strengthen the middle class,” said Sohi. “We are glad to invest in the Stanley A. Milner Library project, which will breathe new life into the downtown core and provide Edmontonians with expanded services in a dynamic, accessible hub of learning and community activity.”
“Our government is committed to investing in projects like the Stanley A. Milner Library, which help make life better for Albertan families,” said Anderson. “This library is an iconic community hub for those who call Edmonton home, and I am proud that we are helping to build on the excellent services, programs and resources that enrich so many lives and strengthen our capital city.”
The Stanley A. Milner Library closed for renovations on December 31, 2016 and renewal work began in January 2017. As the building continues to take shape, EPL will continue to gather support from the community to fundraise the remaining $4 million to ensure the facility is available to all Edmontonians for generations to come.
For more information, visit epl.ca/imaginemilner.
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About the Edmonton Public Library
The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is proud to be 2014 Library of the Year! We’ve come a long way since 1913 when books were all you could find on our shelves… and we’re just getting started! Today, EPL carries everything you care about. We are Edmonton’s largest lender of all manner of information and entertainment. Our professionally trained staff take you beyond Google with the knowledge, discernment and desire to help you navigate a universe of information. The second most visited place in Edmonton, every year EPL hosts over 15.4 million in-branch and online visits across our 20 branches and website. We deliver our incredible content to you everywhere – in the library, at home or on your handheld device. Unmatched access and unrivalled value – that is today’s EPL. EPL is a registered charity and relies on donations to enhance services. Spread the words. www.epl.ca/give
For more information:
Heather McIntyre
Communications Specialist
Edmonton Public Library
Office: 780-496-7055
Cell: 780-819-4337
hmcintyre@epl.ca
