August 21, 2009
Calgary, Alberta
The ThorncliffeGreenview Community Association will move forward with renovations to the Forbes Innes 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, together with Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier, announced total funding of $1,006,229 that will help enhance a vital recreational infrastructure asset in Calgary's Thorncliffe Greenview Community.
" Our Government recognizes that investments in recreational infrastructure help enable communities to remain vibrant and healthy places for residents, " said Minister Prentice. "Today's investment will help ensure the Forbes Innes Arena can continue to meet the needs of the many individuals and community groups who rely on this facility for recreational activities."
Federal funding of $531,229 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. Provincial funding of $350,000 is provided through the lottery-funded Community Facility Enhancement Program. The City of Calgary has also contributed $125,000 towards the project through its Capital Conservation Grant program..
" Seeing their child skate for the first time or score their first goal is a fond memory for many people, " said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. " I want to thank everyone involved in this project for continuing to support recreation, healthy living and strong communities across Alberta. "
Renovations involve modernizing the facility through the replacement of the concrete slab, arena boards, player boxes, bleachers and benches. In addition, the project includes installation of a refrigeration system and construction of a mechanical room. A new roof and furnace will also make the facility more energy- efficient.
" The City of Calgary's Capital Conservation Grant program provides valuable dollars to valuable community facilities in need of life-cycle maintenance, " says Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier. " The City of Calgary is proud to partner with the federal and provincial governments to ensure this arena provides many more years of positive, healthy activities for Calgarians. "
Opened in 1977, the Forbes Innes Arena plays a major role in serving the recreational needs of the community and is home to numerous recreational hockey teams and leagues.
" We would like to thank the federal and provincial governments as well as the City of Calgary for their contributions, which represent 63 per cent of the required $1,593,688 needed to complete the arena upgrades, " said Keith Zeller, Treasurer for the Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association. " This funding, combined with our donations and fundraising dollars, will position the Forbes Innes arena to supply a valuable recreational facility to the people of Calgary for 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/
Beryl Cullum
Communications
Culture and Community Spirit
780-427-6530
Dennis Urquhart
Community Services & Protective Services
Customer Service & Communications
Phone: 403-268-2912
Cell: 403-669-1078
Media pager: 403-828-2954
Kevin Kromm
Building/Arena Manager
Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association
Phone: (403) 274-6840
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 .
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
