VANCOUVER — Mayor Gregor Robertson will introduce a motion at this week's Council meeting to expedite construction of a new Killarney seniors centre with surplus funds from the City's operating budget, following through on the City of Vancouver's longstanding commitment to investing in better community services for seniors in Southeast Vancouver.
"With the Federal Government having joined the City and the Province in committing funds to this long-awaited community space, it's time to get shovels in the ground on a new Killarney seniors centre," said the Mayor. "The City of Vancouver's strong budget position allows us to invest in key priorities for the community. Surplus funds from Vancouver's operating budget should be used to ensure that this important new resource for Southeast Vancouver seniors is built as soon as possible, building on the $2.5 million investment committed by the City in 2011."
Two weeks ago the Federal Government announced $2.5 million in funding support for the project, following a commitment of $1.3 million from the Province last year and the initial funding commitment from the City of Vancouver in 2011. The City-owned land and operating space for the centre was also committed in 2011 by the Park Board.
The Mayor's motion recommends the use of surplus funds from the City's operating budget to resolve the remaining funding gap on the estimated $7.5 million project. The motion will be put on notice at City Council on Tuesday and seconded by Councillor Raymond Louie.
Southeast Vancouver is home to approximately one third of all Vancouver seniors and is currently the only quadrant of the city without a dedicated seniors centre.
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For more information, please contact:
Braeden Caley
Executive Assistant, Media Relations and Communications
Office of the Mayor - City of Vancouver
Cell: 604-809-9951 - Email: braeden.caley@vancouver.ca
