Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Through a $36 million investment, the federal government is redeveloping Ottawa’s Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO) community center to enhance its capacity to deliver an expanded range of services and programs in French to the local community.
“The revitalization of the Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO) community center is much more than a simple project. It’s an investment in the very heart of an official language minority community. By supporting this initiative, we’re strengthening inclusive, dynamic spaces where everyone can flourish. This investment demonstrates our commitment to the cultural and social vitality of our community, ensuring a flourishing future for MIFO,” sad Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages.
Designed to be net-zero carbon, the innovative facility will house a gymnasium, auditorium, classrooms, indoor running track, art gallery, meeting rooms and more, which will provide space for recreational activities that help to foster a sense of togetherness.
“I am thrilled to see our commitment to community development in action through the revitalization of the MIFO facility. This investment reflects our dedication to providing accessible and eco-responsible spaces that empower local communities, fostering a future that is not only greener and more prosperous but also rich in artistic opportunity. This much needed facility is key to supporting the Francophone and Francophile community of Orléans and Ottawa in providing services and community spaces to all generations,” said Marie-France Lalonde, MP for Orléans.
Infrastructure Canada is investing $25 million in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. Canadian Heritage is investing $10 million over three years starting in 2023-2024 through the Community Spaces Fund and an additional $1 million through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO) is contributing $2.5 million.
“MIFO is extremely pleased with today’s announcement, which will enable us to carry out our wonderful project—a symbol of the vision, boldness, perseverance and growth of our community and the expansion of our Francophonie. This funding is a turning point. It’s also a recognition of the needs of the Orléans Francophone community, as well as those of the National Capital Region and Eastern Ontario. And further, it’s the reward for many years of hard work and dedication on the part of the Board of Directors, MIFO’ s team and the fundraising campaign office toward the construction of a new building,” said Jean-François Born, chair, MIFO Board of Directors.
Featured image: (Government of Canada)
