August 24, 2009
Calgary, Alberta
The Triwood Community Association will move forward with upgrading and revitalizing the Triwood Arena, thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Today, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier, announced joint funding of $171,352 that will help enhance a vital recreational infrastructure asset in Calgary's Triwood Community.
" Our Government understands that investments in recreational infrastructure yield numerous health, social and economic benefits for communities, " said Minister Prentice. " Today's investment towards upgrading the Triwood Community Arena will help create a more energy-efficient facility with improved services for families, groups and individuals who participate in recreational activities in this arena. "
Federal funding of $134,352 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. In addition, the City of Calgary has also contributed $37,000 towards the project through its Capital Conservation Grant program.
" The City of Calgary is committed to meeting the growing infrastructure needs of our citizens, including reinvesting in the life-cycle maintenance of community-run facilities on municipal land, " says Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier. " The re-investment in this arena by all three levels of government is great news for future generations of hockey players, figure skaters and other amateur athletes. "
The Triwood Community Association will revitalize its arena with upgrades that will make it more energy efficient and improve the recreational experience of participants. Enhancements such as the installation of a dehumidification system and a number of other mechanical and structural improvements will modernize this facility. Benefits from these improvements include reduced maintenance and operating costs, better ice conditions and an extension to the arena season by up to one month.
" The Triwood Community Association appreciates the generous funding assistance that will help us renovate our arena in the first community-owned facility in the City of Calgary, " said Ed Wahl, Chairman of the Triwood Renovations Committee. " Community youth in hockey, ringette and skating programs as well as numerous other users of the arena will appreciate the benefits of this funding for many years to come. "
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
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Phone: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Toll-Free Number: 1 888 338-WEST (9378)
http://www.wd.gc.ca/
Dennis Urquhart
Community Services & Protective Services
Customer Service & Communications
Phone: (403) 268-2912
Cell: (403) 669-1078
Media pager: (403) 828-2954
Ed Wahl
Chairman, Renovation Committee
Triwood Community Association
Phone: (403) 606-4982
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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