August 26, 2009
Donnelly, Alberta
The Guy-Donnelly Sportex Society will move forward with upgrades to its arena complex 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, together with the Deputy Mayor Gerard Benoit of the Village of Donnelly; and Reeve Donald Dumont of the Municipal District of Smoky River No. 130, announced funding that will help improve a vital recreational infrastructure asset in the Village of Donnelly.
"The Guy Donnelly Sportex upgrade project is a reflection of our Government's commitment to create jobs and build stronger, healthier communities," said MP Warkentin. " The upgraded complex will generate new economic opportunities for the Village of Donnelly and enable the facility to serve our local families for years to come."
Federal funding of $56,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program under Canada's Economic Action Plan, with the Province of Alberta investing $17,988 through the lottery-funded Community Initiatives Program. In addition, the Village of Donnelly has also provided $15,000, while the Municipal District of Smoky River has contributed $3,995 towards the project.
"Facilities like the Guy-Donnelly Sportex are more than just a place to skate, play hockey or hold a fair - they promote active living and add to the quality of life of communities in the area," said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. " Thank you to everyone involved in this important community project."
The project will involve retrofitting the Guy-Donnelly Sportex through improvements to the rink and hall areas of the facility. Funding is directed towards replacing features such as the dressing room flooring, lighting, refrigeration plant and furnace, as well as the installation of the environmentally friendly Natural Ice System. Expected benefits of the project include improved energy efficiency and lighting, reduced noise and lower operating costs.
"I am very grateful for the federal and provincial grant that has been allocated for improvements at the Guy-Donnelly Sportex," expressed Mayor Charles Doyle of the Village of Donnelly. "The Village of Donnelly is happy to be able to support the Guy-Donnelly Sportex with a $15,000 donation."
"The Municipal District of Smoky River No.130 is pleased that we were able to help fund part of the Guy Donnelly Sportex Natural Ice System through our Recreation Capital Funding Program," said Reeve Donald Dumont of the Municipal District of Smoky River No.130.
The Guy-Donnelly Sportex serves the Village of Donnelly and surrounding communities as a meeting place for recreational activities such as hockey games and annual community fairs. The facility has been operated by the Guy-Donnelly Sportex Society since 1977.
"The Guy-Donnelly Sportex Society is grateful for the federal, provincial, and municipal grants to improve the complex," said Vance Yaremko, President of the Guy-Donnelly Sportex Society. " These improvements will make the facility more energy efficient and help local communities to continue using the facility in the future."
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
Beryl Cullum
Communications
Alberta Culture and Community Spirit
Tel: (780) 427-6530
Lilliane Bessette
Chief Administrative Officer
Village of Donnelly
Tel: (780) 925-3835
Rita Therriault
Director of Corporate Services
M.D. of Smoky River No.130
Tel: (780) 837-2221
Vance Yaremko
President
Guy-Donnelly Sportex Society
Tel: (780) 837-2900
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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