August 27, 2009 Whitewood, Saskatchewan
The Town of Whitewood will move forward with arena upgrades thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Today, Don Toth, Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature and MLA for Moosomin, on behalf of the Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs, and Ed Komarnicki, Member of Parliament for Souris-Moose Mountain, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced funding for arena upgrades that will create jobs for Town of Whitewood.
“ The Government of Saskatchewan understands the importance of the Whitewood arena upgrades to a healthy and active community, ” said Toth. “ Our investment in this project will increase recreational opportunities that will benefit the whole community. ”
Funding of $120,692 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Province of Saskatchewan will provide a matching contribution and the Town of Whitewood will fund the balance for a total estimated project cost of $362,077.
“ These upgrades will allow our local families to enjoy the Whitewood arena year round, ” said MP Komarnicki. “ Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, our Government is creating immediate jobs, encouraging greater participation in physical activity, and ensuring that communities across the West have access to the essential infrastructure we need today and in the future. ”
The Town of Whitewood will renovate its arena to allow the facility to be used year round by offering summer athletic programs to over 200 youth. Upgrade activities include replacing the ice plant, installing a dehumidifier, and replacing the boiler system benefitting both the hockey and curling infrastructure elements.
“ On behalf of the Town of Whitewood, I would like to thank both the Federal and Provincial Government for their investment in our community, ” said Mayor Green. “ This funding will enable us to provide the necessary upgrades to our facility in a way that will provide not only physical activity but a variety of events for the residents of Whitewood and surrounding area. A project of this size will create many jobs and with the improved operating efficiencies it will also reduce our carbon footprint. This is a win situation for both. ”
Upon completion, the facility will be better equipped to enhance the health and wellbeing of its members and benefit the community as a whole.
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:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (306) 975-5942
Greg Urbanoski
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Tel: (306) 787-2155
Cam Page
Recreational Director
Town of Whitewood
Telephone: (306) 735-4415
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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