December 18, 2007
North Saanich, British Columbia
A federal and provincial contribution of $2 million is supporting North Saanich to expand its Panorama Recreation Centre, providing residents with new and exciting fitness and leisure opportunities. The funding is being made available through the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF), which supports communities across the province to become even healthier, greener and more sustainable places to live. The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources and MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands and; and Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education and MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.
"This environmentally-friendly recreation facility will encourage North Saanich residents to pursue healthy and active lifestyles," said Minister Lunn, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queens Privy Council for Canada, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the Province of British Columbia to make lasting infrastructure improvements in our communities."
Approximately 53,000 people will benefit from the expanded Panorama Recreation Centre, which will include: a free-form lifestyle pool, two 25-metre lap lanes, a rehabilitation area, an expanded hot tub/swirl pool and steam room, improved on-deck viewing and a larger weight room. Construction standards will ensure optimal energy efficiency standards, based on LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) specifications.
"This facility was built in 1977, and since that time we have seen significant population growth and technological changes," said Coell. "So I'm pleased that the provincial and federal governments are supporting this important community space and enhancing residents' healthy lifestyles."
The total amount available from the CBCMRIF, with federal and provincial investment and matching local government contribution in projects, is over $220 million. The majority of the funding is targeted towards communities of fewer than 250,000 people and at least 60 per cent of the funding will assist with "green projects" such as drinking water supply, treatment and distribution needs as well as wastewater and energy efficiency projects. The remaining funds will be dedicated to other projects like tourism, recreation and other infrastructure.
At least 60 per cent of the funding will assist with "green projects", and is geared towards enhancing environmental sustainability, such as water and waste-water systems, public transit, and environmental energy improvements. Other infrastructure projects will support local roads, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure to support tourism, and broadband connectivity. The funding towards expanding the Panorama Recreation centre is conditionally approved pending the successful completion of an environmental assessment.
The total amount available through the CBCMRIF, with federal and provincial investments and matching local government contribution, is over $220 million. More details on the program are available through the CBCMRIF website at http://www.canadabcmrif.ca/.
Media Contacts:
Jillian Glover Western Economic Diversification Canada604 787-0945
Marc BlackB.C. Ministry of Community Services250 356-6334
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
