July 21, 2009
Mayerthorpe, Alberta
The Mayerthorpe Arena Replacement Project received federal support thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Today, the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State for Transport and Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for this recreational infrastructure project that not only creates jobs, but also improves a vital Mayerthorpe recreational infrastructure asset.
"Our Government, through Canada's Economic Action Plan, is taking immediate action to reduce the effects of the economic slowdown," said Minister of State Merrifield. "The Mayerthorpe Arena Replacement will not only create immediate jobs for our area, but it will rebuild an integral piece of infrastructure that will become the heartbeat of our community."
Federal funding of $822,292 is provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, as a part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
In July of 2008, the Town of Mayerthorpe and the surrounding area suffered a loss with a fire that heavily damaged the arena. Funding for this project will help the town rebuild the arena that was home to a variety of activities including hockey, figure skating, annual carnivals, rodeos and community barbeques. This new facility will help bring local residents together for shared activities and events that encourage healthy lifestyles. The Town of Mayerthorpe will construct and improve areas of the Mayerthorpe Arena including the outdoor swimming pool, running track and ice arena. The arena also draws visitors from surrounding areas that will help inject life into the Mayerthorpe business community.
"We're exceptionally pleased to receive this federal funding that will help replace our arena," said Doug McDermid, Mayor of Mayerthorpe. "Rebuilding this multi-use facility will help us revitalize our community and bring Mayerthorpe, Woodlands County and Lac Ste. Anne County together throughout the year."
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program 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.
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Karen St. Martin
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Mayerthorpe
Mayerthorpe, Alberta
Tel: (780) 786-2416
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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