August 17, 2009
Raymond, Alberta
The Town of Raymond will move forward with the Raymond Ice Arena upgrade project thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Today, Rick Casson, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding that will help improve a vital recreational infrastructure asset in the Town of Raymond.
“ I'm proud that our Government's investment will spur construction, create jobs, and benefit families and businesses in the Town of Raymond, ” said MP Casson. “ Upgrading the arena into a year-round facility will help promote healthy lifestyles and encourage both residents and visitors to participate in our community's recreational activities. ”
Federal funding of $100,000 is provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as a part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
The Town of Raymond will improve the ice arena by purchasing and installing boards, glass and artificial turf. The placement of artificial turf inside the arena will allow for new sports and recreational opportunities while enabling the facility to become accessible to residents during all seasons. In addition, the reconfiguration of the penalty boxes and improvements to the players' benches will facilitate
increased tournament opportunities, which is expected to attract visitors to the Town of Raymond and benefit the local economy.
“ Active living is such an important personal decision these days and we are pleased to be able to provide our residents with another quality recreational experience that will continue to enhance our downtown and recreation district, ” said George Bohne, Mayor of the Town of Raymond. “ If it were not for the support from the Government of Canada, this project would not have been able to proceed for a number of years. ”
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
Jeff Coppieters
Director of Community Services
Town of Raymond
Tel: (403) 752-3322
Fax: (403) 752-4379
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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