10 August 2009
Hampton, New Brunswick
Children will soon be playing in a new and improved community playground in Hampton’s town square, thanks to a combined federal and provincial contribution of $88,200.
Fundy Royal MP, Rob Moore, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), together with the Honourable Stuart Jamieson, Minister of Tourism and Parks and Ken Chorley, Mayor of Hampton, made the joint announcement today during the Communities in Bloom festivities.
Federal funding of $48,200 is thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, while the provincial investment of $40,000 is through the Family and Youth Community Assistance Program. The Town of Hampton is investing $56,400 to complete the project.
“The Government of Canada recognizes the need within many Canadian communities to provide better recreational facilities,” said MP Moore. “Through ACOA, our investment in the Town of Hampton will help stimulate the economy, enhance local services, and contribute to the health and quality of life of the families in this region.”
“The Province of New Brunswick is proud to invest in projects which will promote healthy living for families,” said Jamieson, on behalf of Hon. Victor Boudreau, minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “Today’s funding presentation will help see increased levels of wellness in our region and across our province.”
The project will see new, Canadian Standards Association approved, play systems installed on a rubberized surface for added safety. The new equipment will replace badly deteriorated playground structures that were removed from the town square earlier this year to prevent potential injuries.
“The town square project is the culmination of many years of anticipation for the citizens of the Town of Hampton,” stated Mayor Ken Chorley. “The new playground will provide an opportunity for families to participate in safe and healthy outdoor activities and is a vital component of our overall project’s success. The Town is most appreciative of the financial and moral support provided by both the federal and provincial governments.”
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided $500 million over two years for the RInC Program, to support upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities, and to encourage increased participation in physical activity and community building. The initial allocation under RInC for Atlantic Canada is $12 million and is delivered in the region by ACOA.
Under RInC, the Government of Canada will typically fund up to 33 per cent of eligible costs. The remaining funding will be leveraged from other project stakeholders such as provincial, territorial, municipal and other partners. The federal contribution to any project receiving funding under the program will not exceed $1 million. Projects will be selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness, and must be completed before March 31, 2011.
Municipalities, First Nations governments, community organizations and other not-for-profit entities in Atlantic Canada that have eligible projects that can be completed before March 31, 2011, are invited to submit their proposals.
For details on project eligibility and how to submit an application, please refer to the program backgrounder on ACOA’s website at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Fundy Royal MP, Rob Moore, together with Tourism and Parks Minister, Stuart Jamieson, today announced a combined investment of $88,200 new playground equipment for the Town of Hampton. Funding will help revitalize Hampton’s Town Square, stimulate the economy, and contribute to the overall health and quality of life of the families in this region.
A total of $500 million over two years has been set aside through RInC to support upgrades and repairs to recreational facilities in communities throughout Canada. ACOA delivers RInC in Atlantic Canada. The fund, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, will help mitigate the impacts of the global economic recession by increasing construction activity in the recreational sector.
Erin Filliter
Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-7241
Lisa Gautreau
Junior Communications Officer, ACOA New Brunswick
506-452-3118
Ryan Donaghy
Communications, Tourism and Parks
506-471-5554
Richard Malone
Town Manager, Town of Hampton
506-832-6065
