11 September 2009
Richibucto, New Brunswick
Residents of Rexton and Richibucto will soon enjoy upgraded recreational facilities thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC), a key Government of Canada economic stimulus initiative. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) together with the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick, made the funding announcement today.
Under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government is investing $102,500 in the Rexton project and is committed to invest $322,500 in the Richibucto project, while the provincial government is investing $460,000 through the Regional Development Corporation. The municipalities of Rexton and Richibucto are contributing $460,000.
“Our government is taking steps to reduce the effect of the economic slowdown. Through the RInC Program, we are supporting upgrades to existing recreational facilities across New Brunswick,” said Minister Ashfield. “Our investment of $425,000 in these recreational facilities will add to the quality of life in both Rexton and Richibucto.”
“With these investments, our government is taking action to promote Rexton and Richibucto as great places to be to live and earn a living,” said Graham. “These improved facilities will support the population growth necessary to keep New Brunswick moving toward self-sufficiency by 2026."
The Village of Rexton will modernize, repair and expand their community recreation centre. A major portion of this project involves repairs to the roof and installation of a new heating and cooling system.
The J. Charles Daigle Arena in Richibucto will also be renovated and will provide better access for the public. The project involves upgrades to the roof, additional storage, an emergency exit, a new ticket sales area and an office area for community organizations.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is providing $500 million over two years for the RInC Program, to support upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities and to encourage increased participation in physical activity and community building. The initial allocation under RInC for Atlantic Canada is $12 million and is being delivered in the region by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Under RInC, the Government of Canada typically funds up to 33 per cent of eligible costs. The remaining funding is to 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 is not to exceed $1 million. Projects are selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness, and must be completed before March 31, 2011.
Municipalities, First Nations governments, community organizations and other not-for-profit entities in Atlantic Canada that have eligible projects that can be completed before March 31, 2011, are invited to submit their proposals.
For details on 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:
ACOA Minister of State, Keith Ashfield, and New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham, today announced important investments under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for recreational facilities in both Rexton and Richibucto. The federal government is investing $102,500 in the Rexton project and is committed to invest $322,500 in the Richibucto project, while the provincial government is investing $460,000 through the Regional Development Corporation. The municipalities of Rexton and Richibucto are contributing $460,000.
The Village of Rexton will modernize, repair and expand their community recreation centre, while the J. Charles Daigle Arena in Richibucto will be renovated and expanded to provide better access for the public.
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INFORMATION:
Erin Filliter
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-7241
Ted Parisé
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA New Brunswick
506-452-3917
Bruce Macfarlane
Corporate Secretary
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4606
