Lois Brown MP, Newmarket-Aurora, and Dr. Helena Jaczek MPP, Oak Ridges-Markham today announced $255,000 in joint federal and provincial stimulus funding to rehabilitate the historic Charles Henry Sheppard House in Aurora.

I am pleased to see Canada's Economic Action Plan working for us here in Aurora," said MP Brown. "The Sheppard House is a wonderful asset and provides a valuable hub for local environmental education and activities. Not only will this project provide local employment, but it will also help maintain this treasure for future generations."

"This is just one of the many infrastructure projects announced with stimulus funding that will benefit local workers, the local economy and improve local infrastructure for years to come," said Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP Oak Ridges-Markham.

The estate house of Charles Henry Sheppard, a timber executive and former owner of Georgian Bay Lumber Company is one of the finest examples of English Arts and Crafts architecture in the province. The entirety of the house maintains the original construction of clay tiles with the application of a stucco coating applied to the exterior face.

Repairs to the Charles Henry Sheppard House will include a refurbishing of the stucco exterior and rehabilitation of the original operable windows. The repairs are not only necessary for the preservation of the heritage building but, after renovations, will also meet provincial sustainability goals to create more energy efficient facilities in Ontario. The building is managed by the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority with Windfall Ecology Centre and the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust as tenants.

The Government of Canada's contribution for this project is being provided through the$4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, a key component of Canada's Economic Action Plan, which invests in construction-ready infrastructure projects that will be substantially completed by March 31, 2011.
The Government of Ontario has provided the Charles Henry Sheppard House with funds from the $32.5 billion infrastructure commitment that was laid out in the 2009 Ontario Budget - Confronting the Challenge: Building Our Economic Future.

In light of the current economic situation, the Governments of Canada and Ontario have taken the necessary steps to provide funding for infrastructure projects across the province. Over $11 billion in joint funding has been given to more than 2,700 infrastructure projects across the province intended to help stimulate the economy while creating jobs.