September 02, 2009
Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan
The communities of Meadow Lake, Dorintosh and Rapid View will move forward with construction and upgrades to recreational facilities thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Today, the Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs, and Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé – Missinippi – Churchill River, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced funding for three projects to construct a new outdoor spray park and upgrade existing gymnasium and skating rink that will create jobs for Meadow Lake, Dorintosh and Rapid View
“The Government of Saskatchewan understands the importance of the Meadow Lake spray park, Dorintosh gymnasium and Rapid View arena, to healthy and active communities,” said Harrison. “Our investment in these projects will increase recreational opportunities that will benefit the whole community.”
“Our Government, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is taking timely targeted action to help put Canadians to work, encourage greater participation in physical activity and use of recreational facilities,” said MP Clarke. “Construction and upgrades of recreational facilities in Meadow Lake, Dorintosh and Rapid View will ensure these communities have access to the essential infrastructure we need today, and in the future.”
Funding of $147,782 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Province of Saskatchewan will provide matching contributions and the City of Meadow Lake, Dorintosh Community Co-operative and Rapid View Recreation Association will fund the balance remaining on each project for a total estimated project cost of $443,350.
The City of Meadow Lake is receiving federal funding of $95,000 to construct an outdoor spray park. The spray park will create a new recreational opportunity within the town as well as new employment opportunities for the aquatic centre.
The Dorintosh Community Co-operative is receiving federal funding of $42,116 to upgrade the gymnasium in the Village of Dorintosh. Upgrades include installation of new siding, flooring and doors. These upgrades will improve energy efficiency, safety and help ensure the facility will continue to operate for years to come.
The Rapid View Recreation Association is receiving federal funding of $10,666 to upgrade the arena in their community. Upgrades will allow the skating rink to reopen after being closed for a season, as well as prolonging the useful life of the facility and adhering to insurance requirements for operation. Upgrades will include repairing arena walls, installation of a sump pump, installation of a fire suppression system, and painting the floors.
“We are very excited to announce the development of an outdoor spray park which will be adjacent to the Meadow Lake Aquatic Centre,” said Darwin Obrigewitsch, Mayor of the City of Meadow Lake. “Our community is very fortunate to have been approved for funding through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program and our residents will enjoy this facility tremendously.”
“This grant money will make exterior repairs as well as add a new hardwood floor to our community recreation centre,” said Brad Osborne, President of the Dorintosh Community Co-operative. “This recreation centre is the core of our community and is used by people of all classes and age groups. This generous grant allows us to ensure the facility remains in good condition to be enjoyed for many years to come.”
"This funding will enable us to revitalize our recreation facility and enhance our community," said Perry Brookes of the Rapid View Recreation Association. "Our youth will benefit from an upgraded curling facility and outdoor skating rink."
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:
Joanne Mysak
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 975-5942
Jill Welke
Director, Communications
Saskatchewan Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Tel: (306) 787-2687
Dorintosh Community Co-operative
Pamela Dallyn, Secretary
Tel: (306) 236-5166
Town of Meadow Lake
Rosalee Brown, Administrator
Tel: (306) 236-3622
Rapid View Recreation Association
Bobbi Bremner
Tel: (306) 236-3024
