With less than a month before the official start to summer, Oromocto youth received good news today as the Government of Canada announced an investment of more than $58,000 towards the Gesner Splash Pad. The recreational facility project, announced by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), is the first to receive funding under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RinC) Fund in New Brunswick.
“Our government understands that investments in recreational infrastructure help to build strong, healthy communities; and that strong communities mean a strong nation,” said Minister Ashfield. “RInC was launched on May 11; now, less than two weeks later we are announcing the first funding under the program. This recreational facility will add to the vibrancy and quality of life the Town of Oromocto offers citizens of all ages.”
The Gesner Park Splash Pad and Comfort Station will involve a water play area and change/rest room facilities which will serve youth and families in the Oromocto area. RInC funding of $58,015 will go toward the cost of replacing an existing sprinkler pool with a new splash pad, and constructing a comfort station to incorporate into the site. Total project costs are estimated at $175,804.
“The Town of Oromocto appreciates the generous investment the Honourable Minister Ashfield has announced today under the federal government's new Recreational Infrastructure Canada Fund,” said her Worship Mayor Tidd. “We feel that the time of this investment is most appropriate given that this is the 50th anniversary of Gesner School, playground and park, which were originally established as part of the model town. Federal funding played a significant role then and continues to play a significant role in the development of our Town.” Canada's Economic Action Plan provided $500 million over two years for the RInC program to support upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities. Under the program, the federal government will typically fund up to 33 per cent of eligible costs. The remaining funding will be leveraged from other project stakeholders such as provincial, territorial, municipal and other partners. The federal contribution to any project receiving funding under the program will not exceed $1 million.
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With less than a month before the official start to summer, Oromocto youth received good news today as the Government of Canada announced more than $58,000 towards the Gesner Park splash pad and comfort station. The project was announced by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for ACOA. It is the first New Brunswick project to receive funding under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Fund (RInC).
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INFORMATION:
Sharon Stanford-Rutter
Communications ACOA NB
506-451-2677
Jim Arbeau
Director, Leisure Services & Tourism Department
506-357-4458
