The Twin Rinks Arena in St. John's and the Monsignor Bartlett Arena on Bell Island will benefit from upgrades to modernize and improve their facilities, thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada's Economic Action Plan.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced an investment of $282,335 for the two initiatives. The Avalon Arena Association will receive $123,043 to undertake improvements to the Twin Rinks Arena and the Town of Wabana will receive $159,292 to make needed upgrades to the Monsignor Bartlett Arena.
“These two arenas are important pieces of recreational infrastructure for residents of St. John's and Bell Island and I am pleased that these investments will support needed improvements to these two community facilities,” said Minister MacKay. “In addition, the work being undertaken will contribute to local economic activity and help to support local employment.”
Work on the Twin Rinks Arena, which has been in operation for 33 years, will include the replacement of existing dasher board systems, as well as upgrades to the players' benches, and penalty and timekeepers' boxes. The Monsignor Bartlett Arena, one of the province's oldest stadiums, will involve the installation of a low-e ceiling; a dehumidification system; and, emergency lighting. Upgrades will be made to the arena's refrigeration plant. Repairs will be made to the foundation along with exterior siding and window replacements.
Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $500 million over two years for the RInC program, to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities across the country, generating local economic activity; supporting jobs; and, encouraging increased participation in physical activity and community building.
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:
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador today announced an investment of $282,335 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program for upgrades to the Twin Rinks Arena in St. John's and the Monsignor Bartlett Arena on Bell Island. The minister said that the funds will significantly improve both facilities for local residents, while creating local employment.
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, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada's Economic Action Plan, will help mitigate the impacts of the global economic recession by increasing construction activity in the recreational sector.
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 apply.
Those wanting to find out how to submit an application are asked to contact their nearest ACOA office.
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INFORMATION:
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA-NL
709-772-2935
