July 10, 2009
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Winnipeg Soccer Federation will be able to move forward with significant upgrades to their fields thanks to an investment from all three levels of government.
Today, the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Manitoba Healthy Living Minister; Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification; and Councillor Gord Steeves, on behalf Sam Katz, Mayor for the City of Winnipeg; announced funding for the Winnipeg Soccer Complex that will create jobs and improve recreational infrastructure.
"The new fields will be a welcome addition for soccer players in this city and province and will continue to promote active healthy lifestyles," said Minister Irvin-Ross. "This announcement also keeps in line with our government's commitment to building for the future and creating jobs in this province."
"Our Government is proud to support a stronger, healthier Winnipeg," said MP Bruinooge. "This investment in the Winnipeg Soccer Complex will create immediate jobs and serve the families of our community for years to come."
"The City of Winnipeg has made it a priority to restore our community infrastructure and recreational facilities, and I am proud we are investing in the Winnipeg Soccer Complex," said Mayor Sam Katz. "I want to thank the federal and provincial governments, along with the Winnipeg Soccer Federation for their partnership in making this important project a reality for Winnipeggers."
"The Winnipeg Soccer Federation is delighted about this announcement and thanks all three levels of government who have come together to make this project a reality," said Keith Ferbers, Chair of the Winnipeg Soccer Federation. "This undertaking will benefit soccer players of all ages across the province."
The total cost of the project is $1,181,880 with funding of $300,000 provided through Western Economic Diversification under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program and a matching $300,000 provided by the Province of Manitoba. The City of Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Soccer Federation, and the soccer community are also contributing to the eligible project costs.
This project will involve the installation of two internationally approved modern synthetic grass fields to replace the existing natural grass fields at the Winnipeg Soccer Complex. This means Winnipeg will have two FIFA-certified playing fields, which will benefit local players, and attract games and tournaments that were not able to be hosted here before.
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. RInC will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.
Today's announcement continues the important steps the Province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.6 billion this year into infrastructure to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and renew the province's roads, schools, health facilities, and water treatment facilities.
For more information, please visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan.
For additional information, contact:
Charlene MacDonald
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 204 983-6243
Cell: 204 918-0226
Jodee Zamrykut
Cabinet Communications
Telephone: 204 945-1494
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
Telephone: 204 986-5569
Cell: 204 803-3952
Hector Vergara
Executive Director
Manitoba Soccer Association
204-925-5742
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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