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Ottawa (July 3, 2009) - More than 50 Aboriginal communities in Ontario are receiving funding for projects like pools, rinks and playgrounds through federal and provincial infrastructure funding programs.
On June 26, the governments of Canada and Ontario provided support to 53 Aboriginal community recreation projects with total funding topping $31 million through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program in Ontario and the Ontario Recreation Program (Ontario REC).
Investments in recreation projects stimulate the economy, enhance local facilities and services, improve energy-efficiency, and contribute to the health and quality of life in communities across Ontario.
Recreational facilities are essential social and athletic hubs in all communities. They bring us together as families, friends and neighbours to have fxun and to stay active. By investing in these types of projects, we are investing in the health and well-being of residents in First Nations communities across Ontario.
Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Canada
Supporting recreation projects will stimulate the economy and improve the lives of children and families in First Nation communities, especially those in more remote areas of the province. These facilities promote healthy and active lifestyles, and provide places for the gatherings and celebrations that make all communities strong and vibrant.
Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Ontario
These projects will provide stimulus to the local economy through investments that will spur construction activity related to recreational infrastructure. Improving recreational facilities and services will also encourage higher levels of participation in physical activity and community-building.
In addition to the $33 billion the Government of Canada has already committed to infrastructure, Canada's Economic Action Plan provides almost $12 billion in new stimulus funding over the next two years. This included $500 million for the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program to support upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities across Canada. The allocation for Ontario is $195 million over two years.
Through the 2009 Ontario Budget, Confronting the Challenge: Building Our Economic Future, the province is investing $32.5 billion in infrastructure for the province of Ontario over the next two years - including $195 million for recreation infrastructure projects - that will support more than 300,000 jobs and strengthen Ontario's economy.
On June 26, the governments of Canada and Ontario announced 758 recreation projects will move forward thanks to a federal-provincial investment of more than $380 million.
Approved projects were selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness.
Local announcements are being made over the coming days; a list of approved projects will be available on July 6, 2009, on the website for recreational infrastructure funding in Ontario.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Nina Chiarelli
Canada Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
819-997-0002
Office of the Honourable Brad Duguid
Greg Flood
416 314 9455
