Oromocto residents received good news today as the Government of Canada announced an investment of $268,666 for upgrades to the Waasis Road Track and Field facility. The announcement was made by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency).
The federal government is contributing stimulus funds through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Town of Oromocto is contributing over $533,000 towards the project, which is two thirds of the total eligible cost.
"Our government's Economic Action Plan is ensuring residents in communities like Oromocto benefit from improved community recreational facilities. Our investment of over $268,000 through the Recreational Infrastructure Fund will help create jobs and reduce the effect of the economic slowdown."
This project will revitalize and refurbish an existing 400 metre, six lane track and playfield located on town owned land, adjacent to Waasis road. In addition, the playing field contained within the oval will be refurbished with an all-weather synthetic turf field surface.
"We are always pleased to work with the federal government to improve our community's infrastructure," said Mayor Fay Tidd, "The Waasis Road Track and Field facility provides the environment for a healthy, active and vibrant community. This investment will benefit our residents and the construction phase will help support our recovering economy."
The Waasis Track and Field facility serves over 3,000 participants, including schools, minor sport associations and surrounding community groups. The track facility was last refurbished over 22 years ago.
Canada's Economic Action Plan is providing $500 million over two years for the RInC program to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities across the country. RInC is delivered in Atlantic Canada by ACOA. Under RInC, the Government of Canada will fund up to 33 per cent of eligible costs. The remaining funding is leveraged from other project stakeholders including 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.
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.
ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield today announced stimulus funds of over $268,000 for upgrades to the Wassis Road Track and Field facility. This funding will help stimulate the economy, enhance local services, and contribute to the health and quality of life of families in the region.
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. The fund, part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, is helping mitigate the impacts of the global economic recession by increasing construction activity in the recreational sector.
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Erin Filliter
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-7241
Katharine Sidenius
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA NB
506-452-3341
James T. Arbeau
Director Leisure Services and Tourism
Town of Oromocto
506-357-4458
