August 28, 2009
Grande Prairie, Alberta
Grande Prairie Regional College will renovate the college fitness centre and rock-climbing facility thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Today, Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for this project that will result in improved physical training facilities at the college.
“I’m proud that our Government is supporting the upgrades to the Grande Prairie Regional College fitness facilities,” said MP Warkentin. “This modernization project will expand recreational opportunities and benefit our region for years to come.”
Federal funding of $73,835 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, along with Alberta Advanced Education and Technology’s previously announced contribution of $16,500.
“We’re happy to contribute to this effort to enrich the quality of student and community life in Grande Prairie,” said Mel Knight, MLA Grande Prairie, Smoky. “Our federal partners share our commitment to provide quality education and build healthy communities in Alberta.”
“The funding provides a great benefit to our College and to our community, and we are grateful to our governments for this support,” says Don Gnatiuk, President and CEO of Grande Prairie Regional College. “GPRC is committed to be a key component of the fitness and healthy lifestyles activities in our community, and the expansion of our fitness facilities enhances our ability to support those activities. We are also very happy that monies are being provided for improvements to the GPRC climbing gym, which has served our community since a former shop was converted for that purpose over 12 years ago. Thousands of people of all ages enjoy the climbing facility each year.”
Renovations to the college gymnasium will provide additional space for installing spin bikes, while upgrades to the rock climbing facility will provide for improved lighting, ceiling tiles, doors, and boot racks in the entrance. Additional components of the project include the installation of audio-visual equipment and a new change room facility. The project will result in improved facilities for students and fee-paying community members, and will be used by college athletes to train for competitive events and as a learning environment for physical education students.
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 more information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Carmen Haakstad
Executive Director, Community Relations
Grande Prairie Regional College
Tel: (780) 539-2070
Cell: (780) 518-2150
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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