September 14, 2009
Vancouver, British Columbia
Nine communities across British Columbia will benefit from more than $4 million in funding, thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program and Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), two major job-creating investments from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Today, the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the projects, which will create jobs for British Columbians.
"I'm pleased to announce our Government's support for these important recreational infrastructure and job creation projects,
" said Minister Day. "Investments such as these will help put Canadians to work today, while ensuring that our B.C. communities have access to the essential infrastructure and services they need long into the future.
"
Federal funding of $2,790,547 is being invested through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) for two projects. Project work includes the construction of a community services centre and building refurbishment in central Ladysmith and the installation of advanced communications and security systems in Fort Steele.
Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program funds amounting to $1,269,878 is also be invested. RInC projects support the construction, upgrade and expansion of a wide range of recreational infrastructure assets. The seven projects announced today include: a playground, recreational trails, running track, seniors' activity centre and children's camp.
These projects provide timely economic stimulus for British Columbia communities and will help strengthen local economies over the long term.
A part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Community Adjustment Fund is a two-year, $1 billion national program that will provide economic stimulus by supporting projects that create jobs and maintain employment in rural communities.
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will provide economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.
Visit the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For more information, contact:
Donna Howes
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Cell: 604-505-6616
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.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
Backgrounder
On September 14, 2009, the Harper Government announced funding of more than $4 million from the Economic Action Plan towards nine projects throughout British Columbia.
Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) Program
| Recipient |
CAF Funding |
Total Project Costs |
| Town of Ladysmith |
$2,752,047 |
$4,202,047 |
| Friends of Fort Steele |
$38,500 |
$65,000 |
| GRAND TOTAL |
$2,790,547 |
$4,267,047 |
Project List Summary
1) Town of Ladysmith:
The Town of Ladysmith is receiving $2,752,047 to undertake the construction of a community services centre. Activities include refurbishing an existing structure on town owned property in central Ladysmith. The centre will act as a one-stop community hub bringing together the Boys and Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island, the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association, the Ladysmith Food Bank and the Ladysmith Seniors Association. The project will result in a much-needed increase in space for these organizations, allowing them to expand their services.
2) Friends of Fort Steele Society:
Funding of $38,500 toward the installation of advanced communications and security systems in the town site. These systems will enrich services for visitors, enhance the operations of several onsite businesses, and create additional revenue, employment, and marketing opportunities.
Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program
| Recipient |
RInC Funding |
Total Project Costs |
| West Shore Parks and Recreation Society |
$645,000 |
$1,290,000 |
| City of Duncan |
$250,000 |
$750,000 |
| Granville Park Lawn Bowling Club |
$70,000 |
$217,329 |
| Village of Pemberton |
$89,500 |
$275,600 |
| Anglican Synod of the Diocese of Caledonia |
$128,750 |
$386,266 |
| Dease Lake Recreation Centre Society |
$60,000 |
$580,000 |
| School District #54 (Bulkley Valley) |
$26,628 |
$79,886 |
| GRAND TOTAL |
$1,269,878 |
$3,579,081 |
Project List Summary
Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca:
1) West Shore Parks and Recreation Society
Funding of $645,000 for the West Shore Parks and Recreation Society is helping construct a two-storey addition to the Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre in Colwood. The main floor will provide an auditorium for aerobics, yoga and other fitness classes. The project will also create two classrooms, washrooms, a staircase, elevator and offices. The auditorium and classrooms will be available to the general public on evenings and weekends.
Nanaimo-Cowichan:
2) City of Duncan
Funding of $250,000 is enabling the City of Duncan to undertake a comprehensive redevelopment of Centennial Park, including access pathways, an open play field and water park. In addition, the existing playground, basketball and tennis courts will be replaced. Funding will also support demolition and landscaping.
Vancouver Centre:
3) Granville Park Lawn Bowling Club
Funding of $70,000 is helping the Granville Park Lawn Bowling Club improve its facilities by replacing and upgrading the bowling green lighting and perimeter fence. This will provide greater activity opportunities for local residents, as well as cleaner and more efficient maintenance of the greens.
Chilliwack – Fraser Canyon:
4) Village of Pemberton
Funding of $89,500 for the Village of Pemberton is helping improve four kilometres of the existing recreational trails around One Mile Lake in Pemberton. Upgrades include the installation of compact granite crush surfacing, directional and educational signage, and the construction of a wheelchair-accessible bridge over Pemberton Creek.
Skeena-Bulkley Valley:
5) Anglican Synod of the Diocese of Caledonia
Funding of $128,750 for the Anglican Synod of the Diocese of Caledonia is helping renovate Camp Caledonia, a children's camp located on Tyee Lake near Telkwa. The project will bring the facility up to B.C. Building Code, fire safety and energy efficiency requirements; upgrade the water treatment system; and repair the sewage treatment facility. The renovated facility will provide children and youth with outdoor experiences, as well as serve the wider community's recreational needs.
6) Dease Lake Recreation Centre Society
Funding of $60,000 is helping the Dease Lake Recreation Centre Society continue development of the Dease Lake Recreation Centre Society Arena. This project is preparing and constructing a refrigerated concrete floor slab and a dasher board system with plexi-glass.
7) School District 54
Funding of $26,628 for the School District #54 (Bulkley Valley) is helping rehabilitate the running track at Smithers Secondary School, which is open to the general public. To ensure the longevity of the 4,427 square metre track, the top ultra-violet protective coat will be repaired and replaced.
