The Town of Ponoka will move forward with the Ponoka Aquaplex upgrade project thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Today, Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, 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 Ponoka.
" Our Government's support for recreational infrastructure is creating immediate jobs and building stronger, healthier communities, " said MP Calkins. " This investment will allow the modernized Ponoka Aquaplex to continue to offer a safe and healthy environment for fitness, recreational and social opportunities. "
Federal funding of $66,667 is provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as a part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
The Town of Ponoka will renovate its Aquaplex through upgrades such as adding new windows, tiling the pool deck, and improving water quality by changing the chlorine systems and replacing the water filters. These upgrades will provide the community with a modern and more energy efficient facility. Improved and accessible year-round recreational services will enable the Town of Ponoka to meet its goal of increasing the participation level among the public.
" We are most grateful for the assistance that the federal government is providing to help our economy, " said Larry Henkelman, Mayor of the Town of Ponoka. " This funding is very timely in helping us undertake the much needed equipment upgrades and building improvements to maintain a safe and enjoyable family-oriented facility for which the Ponoka Aquaplex is well known. "
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
Brad Watson
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Ponoka
Ponoka, Alberta
Tel: (403) 783-0129
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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