September 04, 2009
Calgary, Alberta
Southern Alberta will move forward with nine projects thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Today, The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced funding for nine projects that will create jobs for Southern Alberta.
"I'm pleased to announce our Government's support for these nine projects in Southern Alberta," said Minister Prentice. "These investments will have a significant and positive effect on communities in our region by stimulating economic activity and ensuring residents have access to the essential recreational infrastructure we need today and in the future."
The Government of Canada has partnered with the City of Calgary on two projects at the Southland Leisure Centre and Ed Whalen Arena. The accumulative investment will enable the replacement of the flooring surface at the Leisure Centre, upgrades to the plumbing system in the arena, and energy-efficient upgrades to the lighting fixtures throughout the interior and exterior of the facility. Funding for the facility will help ensure Calgary residents have continued access to a broad range of physical and recreational activity choices.
"Calgarians are proud of their recreational facilities and The City of Calgary is grateful to the Government of Canada for the investment. Ensuring Calgarians have affordable access to high quality recreation opportunities is a priority for us, as it is for the Government of Canada and these partnerships help ensure that access continues. The City of Calgary is committed to providing world-class facilities through upgrades such as recently occurred at Southland Leisure Centre, because they help make Calgary a great city," said Mayor Dave Bronconnier.
Additional recreational infrastructure investments have been provided to the Towns of Castor, Coronation, Innisfail, Sylvan Lake, Trochu, and the Summer Village of Rochon Sands. Funding for the projects will help improve and enhance vital recreational assets in these communities.
Government of Canada funding of $512,376 for these nine projects is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
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:
Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
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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This investment will upgrade the plumbing fixtures and replace the existing flooring surface at the Leisure Centre, as well as upgrading the plumbing fixtures of the arena.
This investment will address replacing obsolete light fixtures throughout the interior and exterior of the facility and installing occupancy sensors where applicable. The upgraded lighting will be energy efficient and result in lowered energy consumption and costs.
The Town of Castor will construct a concrete pad and install skate boarding apparatus' upon it. Constructing the concrete pad and relocating the equipment will ensure that the Town of Castor will retain this recreational asset. The completed Castor Skate Board Park will benefit all visitors by supporting physical activity and enhancing the quality of the equipment, while providing a safe area for skate boarders to access and use.
The project will involve the replacement of old header and rink boards, combined with the construction of a new overhead walkway.
This project will address upgrades to the arena in the Town of Innisfail. This project will involve replacing the old compressors to increase the efficiency of the ice plant and reduce electrical consumption.
Town of Innisfail will replace the current refrigeration unit in the community curling rink. The new refrigeration unit will be more environmentally friendly and will ensure the system is up-to-date.
This project will address repairing and resurfacing the tennis courts as well as the installation of new posts and netting in the Summer Village of Rochon Sands. The project will extend the lifetime of the courts and maintain their functionality for competitive matches, as well as provide a recreational resource for the community and surrounding area.
This project will include upgrades to the pool deck and viewing areas, including the addition of deck showers. Mechanical upgrades will also be addressed.
This project will address the replacement of the swimming pool roof in the Town of Trochu, ensuring the facility remains a viable recreation building for all community members.
