16 October 2009
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Recreational facilities are being significantly enhanced at three sites in St. John’s thanks to the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador today announced an investment of almost $490,000 for three projects in the capital city under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under the Economic Action Plan.
“By providing assistance for recreational facilities like these, the Government of Canada is investing in the health and well being of Canadian families,” said Minister MacKay. “In the short-term, these projects under the Economic Action Plan general local economic activity, create and sustain jobs and provide improved facilities that will benefit area residents for years to come.”
The City of St. John’s is receiving $281,344 to implement flood control measures at the King George V Soccer Complex. The project includes the construction of landscaped berms (or hills) and concrete retaining walls, the removal of the bridge located upstream of the soccer field and relocation of the Rennie’s River walking trail to the south side of the River. A lift station and drainage system will also be installed.
The City of St. John’s is also receiving $172,915 to enhance Martin’s Meadow Park through site preparation, landscaping, installation of new recreation equipment and the addition of benches, garbage receptacles and lighting. The project also involves the construction of retaining walls and walkways in the park.
The St. Bon’s Forum Corporation is receiving $34,667 to make upgrades to the St. Bon’s Forum. The project involves the replacement of exterior doors, repair of washroom facilities, replacement of boards at the ice surface, replacement of gates, upgrading of the refrigeration system, roof repairs, upgrading of the parking lot and interior painting.
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 across Canada, and to encourage increased participation in physical activity and community building.
Under RInC, 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:
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced an investment of almost $490,000 under the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Upgrades are being carried out at the King George V Soccer Complex, Martin’s Meadow Park and the St. Bon’s Forum through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key component of the Economic Action Plan.
At the King George V Soccer Complex flood control measures are being implemented. Martin’s Meadow Park upgrades include site preparation, landscaping, and installation of new recreation equipment. The St. Bon’s Forum upgrades involve interior renovations, roof repairs and upgrades to the parking lot.
A total of $500 million over two years has been set aside through RInC to support upgrades and repairs to recreational facilities in communities throughout Canada. ACOA delivers RInC in Atlantic Canada. The fund, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, will help mitigate the impacts of the global economic downturn by increasing construction activity in the recreational sector.
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 apply.
Those wanting to find out how to submit an application are asked to contact their nearest ACOA office.
Erin Filliter
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-7241
Doug Burgess
Director of Public Affairs, (ACOA)
ACOA
709 772- 2935
