September 21, 2009
Calgary, Alberta
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 Harper Government support for eight projects that will strengthen recreational infrastructure in Southern Alberta communities and stimulate economic activity.
“Our Government, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is taking action to support recreational infrastructure that contributes towards building strong, healthy communities,” said Minister Prentice. “The projects announced today will benefit Southern Alberta communities by providing an immediate economic stimulus while ensuring residents can continue to access modern amenities for years to come.”
The Harper Government is supporting eight projects in seven municipalities across Alberta. Federal funding of $1,476,415 is being provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The total investment will enhance recreational opportunities and improve essential infrastructure assets in these communities.
Federal funding for the Plainsmen Arena in the City of Airdrie is helping revitalize this popular facility and support growth. The investment will be directed towards rebuilding the underlying floor below the rink, upgrading the refrigeration system, expanding the dressing rooms and renovating the lobby area. The Town of Olds’ Sportsplex facility is also receiving support for upgrades that include the installation of energy efficient windows to reduce operating costs, improvements to the dressing rooms, and replacement of arena boards.
Meanwhile, an investment towards the Eau Claire YMCA in Calgary is renovating its locker rooms and installing new lighting and flow restrictors on showers to improve energy-efficiency.
Additional project highlights include funding to enable the Red Deer Tennis Club to install an inflatable tennis dome that will allow for full, year-round tennis play. Further, the Three Hills Aquatics Centre is enhancing its facility with an outdoor splash park and indoor climbing wall, while upgrades to the community’s recreational trail system will make the trail more accessible for residents.
The Town of Vauxhall and Village of Veteran are receiving funding towards upgrading the Vauxhall Recreation Centre and Veteran Arena. The projects will ensure these facilities can continue serving the needs of community members.
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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