August 17, 2009
Calgary, Alberta
Parks Foundation Calgary will move forward with developing a 10-kilometre pathway through the East Calgary Greenway thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major-job creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Today, Devinder Shory, Member of Parliament for Calgary Northeast, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for this project that will enable the development of a vital recreational infrastructure asset in the City of Calgary.
“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is creating jobs and building stronger, healthier communities,” said MP Shory, Calgary Northeast. “We worked with Calgary Northeast community associations to make this happen, and I’m proud the expanded pathway system will benefit Calgary families for years to come.”
The East Calgary Greenway project represents an exciting new chapter in the further expansion of an accessible and innovative pathway system for the residents of Calgary.
“This exciting project provides Calgarians with another opportunity to engage in outdoor recreational activities, contributing to further enhancing Calgary resident’s quality of life,” said MP Deepak Obhrai, Calgary East.
Funding of $1,000,000 is provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
"The balanced approach and design of the Calgary Perimeter Greenway Project ensures our wetlands will be protected and sustained," said Manmeet Bhullar, MLA for Calgary-Montrose. "The Government of Alberta is pleased to contribute the use of public land along a transportation utility corridor for conversion into parkland and recreational space that Albertans can use and enjoy."
This project represents the first phase of the larger Calgary Perimeter Greenway project, which will consist of a 120-kilometre route of pathways roughly following the same route as Calgary’s ring road (Stoney Trail). The federal investment is directed towards developing the pathway component of the 10-kilometre leg through the East Calgary Greenway. Additional features will include new open spaces, wetlands and amenities such as signage and benches.
“The City of Calgary is proud to be a partner with Parks Foundation Calgary, the Province of Alberta and Government of Canada in this project,” said Anne Charlton, Director of Parks, City of Calgary. “This project will provide more opportunities for Calgarians to access a linear open space.”
More than 245,000 people living in close proximity to the East Calgary Greenway will benefit from this new recreational opportunity. The project is led by Parks Foundation Calgary— a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all Calgarians through the creation of parks and pathways, preservation of river valleys and support for amateur sports.
"Parks Foundation Calgary sincerely appreciates the generous support of the Government of Canada,” said Myrna Dubé, President of Parks Foundation Calgary. “Combined with the major contribution from the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta’s land use approval, the resources are now in place to complete the entire pathway portion of the East Calgary Greenway.”
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.
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/
Roxanne Nanuan
Public Affairs Officer
Alberta Infrastructure
Phone: (780) 422-0618
Anne Charlton
Director, Parks
The City of Calgary
Phone: (403) 268-4789
Myrna Dubé
President
Parks Foundation Calgary
Phone: (403) 974-0755
Cell: (780) 966-1157
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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