The Government of Canada will provide over $1.4 million to assist five west coast Newfoundland projects under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program and the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) – two key economic stimulus initiatives under the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The announcements were made today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook.
“Through our Economic Action Plan, we have put in place timely tools to help communities across the country address the current global economic downturn” said Minister Ashfield. “The investments I am outlining today will ensure that these communities benefit from federal stimulus programs that contribute to local economic activity, support jobs and add to a community’s quality of life.”
Projects to be funded through the RinC program include $1 million towards roof repairs for the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook, significant upgrades to the Bruce II Sports Centre in Channel-Port aux Basques, repairs to the Stephenville Dome, and upgrades to Stephenville’s Regional Aquatic Centre.
The City of Corner Brook will also benefit from just over $160,000 in support from the CAF program to begin the first phase of the development of Bartlett’s Point Park.
Projects Funded Under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RinC) program
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is providing $500 million over two years for the RinC program, to support the upgrade and renewal of recreational facilities in communities across Canada, and to encourage increased participation in physical activity and community building. The RinC funding allocation for Atlantic Canada is $33 million, and is delivered throughout the region by ACOA.
RinC projects announced today by Minister Ashfield include:
The Pepsi Centre – Corner Brook
The Government of Canada, through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, will provide $1 million towards upgrades and repairs to the roof of the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook.
Bruce II Sports Centre – Channel-Port aux Basques
The Town of Channel-Port aux Basques will make significant upgrades to the Bruce Two Sports Centre with a contribution of just over $235,000 from the Government of Canada. Upgrades will include the addition of a second floor for fitness centre relocation, resurfacing of the floor, replacement of a condenser, and various equipment upgrades.
Stephenville Dome and the Stephenville Regional Aquatic Centre
The Town of Stephenville will undertake repairs to the Stephenville Dome with just over $20,000 from the RinC program. Upgrades will also include the construction and paving of a second exit, refurbishment of the refrigeration plant, and construction of stairs.
Stephenville’s Regional Aquatic Centre will upgrade its facilities with a RinC contribution of just over $23,000. Upgrades will include roof repairsand installation of starting platforms.
Projects Funded Under the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF)
Over the next two years, CAF will deliver a total of $1 billion to local economies throughout Canada. The total CAF allocation for Atlantic Canada is $100.4 million and is delivered in the region by ACOA. The CAF project announced by Minister Ashfield today involves the City of Corner Brook.
Bartlett’s Point Park – City of Corner Brook
The City of Corner Brook will begin the first phase of the development of Bartlett’s Point Park with a commitment of just over $160,000 under the Community Adjustment Fund. There is significant tourism potential at Bartlett’s Point, as it is located adjacent to and immediately west of the Bay of Islands Marina in the Curling area of Corner Brook.
The land was purchased by the City of Corner Brook in 1988 for the purposes of future tourism development. The site has historical significance with regard to its role in the development of the fishing industry in the west coast of the province, as the site was formerly used by the Bartlett family as both a residence and a base for their fishing business and associated enterprises. The ruins of the foundation of the original Bartlett residence still exist along with a series of pathways to the shoreline.
For information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada will provide over $1.4 million to assist five west coast projects under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program and the Community Adjustment Fund of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The funding was announced this morning by Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency at an event in Corner Brook.
Projects to be funded include $1 million from the Government of Canada towards repairs to the roof of the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook, $235,000 for significant upgrades to the Bruce II Sports Centre in Channel-Port aux Basques, $20,000 for repairs to the Stephenville Dome, and $23,000 for upgrades to Stephenville’s Regional Aquatic Centre.
The Minister also announced support of just over $160,000 for the City of Corner Brook to begin the first phase of the development of Bartlett’s Point Park.
-30-
INFORMATION:
Erin Filliter
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-7241
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs,
ACOA
709-772-2935
