Calgary/CMEDIA: Over $4.4 million investment reportedly by the federal government through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program is being made to open a new community centre for Calgary Japanese Community Association (CJCA), its members, and local residents.
“We are proud to invest in such an innovative project and applaud the Calgary Japanese Community Association’s commitment…The new centre will provide the community with pertinent programming and space for celebration while championing sustainable practices. We will continue investing in projects that promote a vibrant and green future for all Albertans,” Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation said
Created in support of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the GICB program supports by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and helping develop higher resilience to climate change.
Contributions for this project have also been made by the Calgary Japanese Community Association’s $220,271, and the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society’s $150,000.
Funding will be used replace the existing aging CJCA buildings with a new facility that will incorporate traditional Japanese concepts and techniques, as well as sustainable design principles.
While hosting cultural, social, and educational programs, the community centre will include event halls and other auxiliary spaces (e.g., kitchen, Tatami Room) that can be rented out for social and community events.
A traditional Japanese garden designed to be barrier-free will also be featured providing exterior space for the building’s wide range of programs and spaces.
“The Calgary Japanese Canadian community is truly encouraged by each step reached…We are extremely grateful for the generous support of the Government of Canada, which has been an essential project keystone,” Roger Teshima, Co-Chair, Calgary Japanese Community Association, Legacy Building Project said.
The new community centre, once completed, will better support the CJCA’s mission to preserve and celebrate Japanese heritage, culture, and legacy within the Nikkei community and with all Canadians, including those in the broader Calgary community.
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