August 18, 2009
St. Albert, Alberta
The St. Albert Curling Club received federal support thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Today, Brent Rathgeber, Member of Parliament for Edmonton—St. Albert, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding that will help improve a vital St. Albert winter recreational infrastructure asset.
“The St. Albert Curling Club enhancement project is a reflection of our Government’s commitment to stimulating the economy and improving the quality of life for residents,” said MP Rathgeber. “This Club has been in operation for over 50 years and these upgrades will ensure the Club continues to serve professional athletes and curling enthusiasts for many more years to come.”
Federal funding of $821,884 is provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, as a part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Government of Alberta is also contributing $770,884 to the St. Albert Curling Club from its Major Community Facilities Program (MCFP). Started in 2007-08, the MCFP was a two-year $280-million lottery-funded program that helped municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and Aboriginal communities plan, upgrade or build major public-use facilities that enhance community life.
“For many Albertans, curling is a way to keep active and an excellent opportunity to spend time with friends and family,” said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. “The St. Albert Curling Club, and other centres of recreation, are important facilities that help to build strong and healthy communities.”
“The City of St. Albert is very pleased this funding is being provided to the Curling Club,” said St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse. “The funding will help in further building our local recreational infrastructure, which in turn will attract more recreational events to our city.”
Today’s announcement will assist in transforming the Curling Club into a multi-use facility. The significant upgrades include improving audience-viewing areas, increasing seating capacity, enhancing wheelchair accessibility and renovating high-traffic areas in the building. Once completed, the Club will offer increased recreational opportunities and improved access to programs and services for curlers and the public-at-large.
“This funding will greatly improve our Curling Club, but more importantly provide a year-round community facility for St. Albert residents and those in the surrounding areas,” said St. Albert Curling Club President, Doug McLennan. “We look forward to accommodating organizations and individuals with a quality venue for special events in the years ahead.”
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
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Beryl Cullum
Communications
Alberta Culture and Community Spirit
Tel: (780) 427-6530 (To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000)
Jackie Johnston
Public Information Officer
Corporate Communications
City of St. Albert
Tel: (780) 459-1562
