3 September 2009
Saint John, New Brunswick
Residents of Saint John’s South End received good news today as the Government of Canada announced a commitment to invest stimulus funding for the revitalization of Rainbow Park, through the construction of a splash pad and installation of modern playground equipment. Rodney Weston, MP for Saint John, was on hand today to make the announcement.
Under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC), a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government is investing $250,000 in the park’s revitalization.
“Our government understands that investments in recreational infrastructure help build strong, healthy communities and those strong communities mean a strong nation,” said MP Weston on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “This splash pad and playground project will create important economic activity through its construction phases and it will provide long-term benefits to the people of this area, making it a more attractive place to live and work.”
This project involves the installation of a splash pad and modern playground equipment as part of an overall project to revitalize Rainbow Park in Saint John’s South End.
“When Mabel Peters founded Canada's first playground in Saint John in 1903, children across the country found a new, safe way to play,” said His Worship Mayor Court. “Rainbow Park moves today towards being a significant part of the personal histories of the children of Saint John.”
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided $500 million over two years for the RInC program to support upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities. Under the program, the federal government will typically fund up to 33 per cent of eligible costs. The remaining funding will be leveraged from other project stakeholders such as provincial, territorial, municipal and other partners. The federal contribution to any project receiving funding under the program will not exceed $1 million.
For details on RInC project eligibility and how to submit an application, please refer to the program backgrounder on ACOA’s website at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Residents of Saint John’s South End received good news today as the Government of Canada announced an investment of $250,000 for the revitalization of Rainbow Park. The project is receiving funding under the newly-launched Recreational Infrastructure Canada Fund, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
MP Rodney Weston was on hand for the announcement, which took place at Rainbow Park.
Erin Filliter, Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-724
Sharon Stanford-Rutter
Senior Communications Office
ACOA NB
506-451-2677
Leah Fitzgerald
Communications Officer
City of Saint John
506-648-3714
