August 19, 2009
Waterton, Alberta
The Improvement District No. 4-Waterton Lakes National Park will move forward with a playground upgrade and the construction of a spray park 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 enhance and further develop a vital recreational infrastructure asset in the Waterton.
“I’m pleased to announce our Government’s support for the redevelopment of Waterton Lakes National Park’s playground facilities,” said MP Casson. “The renewed and expanded facilities at our playground and spray park will ensure both residents and visitors will have access to a full range of recreational opportunities here in one of Canada’s finest national parks.”
Funding of $210,000 is provided through Western Economic Diversification under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program. Provincial funding has been provided to the municipality through the Alberta Municipal Infrastructure Program.
"The province is pleased to support this worthwhile local project and the federal government's support is an important addition to the investment the province has been making to invest in and build strong communities,” said Broyce Jacobs, MLA for Cardston-Taber-Warner.
The investment will be directed towards landscaping, modernization of park equipment, and the construction of a spray park. These enhancements will revitalize the social and recreational opportunities in Waterton and increase access to outdoor activities for both residents and visitors to this world-renowned national park. Furthermore, the upgrades to the playground area will provide for increased economic activity resulting from project construction.
“The playground renovation is an exciting project for the community, and with the support of the federal government, we now have sufficient funds to complete it,” said Dr. Brian Reeves, Chairman of Improvement District No. 4-Waterton Lakes National Park. “As a tourist destination, the playground and spray park is also proving to enhance visitor experience in Waterton, and it will become a significant attraction once it is completed.”
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
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Phone: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Toll-Free Number: 1 888 338-WEST (9378)
http://www.wd.gc.ca/
Kenneth Black
Council Representative, Waterton Lakes National Park Playground Project
Improvement District No. 4 Waterton Lakes National Park
Phone: (403) 861-4090
