January 15, 2010
Lake Cowichan, British Columbia
The Cowichan Valley Regional District will move forward with key sports facility upgrades thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Today, Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the project that will create jobs in the Cowichan Valley.
"Our Government, through the Economic Action Plan, has taken concrete steps to reduce the effects of the economic slowdown on British Columbia's communities,
" said Lunney. "The renovation of the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena will not only create immediate jobs for the community, it will also pave the way for future growth and prosperity while ensuring access to a recreational facility that will strengthen community ties for many years to come.
"
Funding of $1,000,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
With this investment, the Cowichan Valley Regional District will renovate the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena. Project work includes replacement of the roof, upgrades to mechanical systems, electrical systems, and existing dressing rooms, renovation of the concession area, and installation of a concrete floor under the curling rink. Funding will also construct a 2,573 square metre addition, which will feature four new dressing rooms, an indoor playground, recreational programming administration offices and multi-use space.
"We are absolutely thrilled that the Recreation Infrastructure Canada program is assisting us with our renovation to the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena, a project that will make an incredible difference to the residents of the Cowichan Lake area
", said Sheila McFarlane, Chair of the Cowichan Lake Recreation Commission.
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. A total of almost $153 million in RInC funding will be invested across the four western provinces.
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For more information, contact:
Naina Sloan
A/ Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1889
John Elzinga
Cowichan Valley Regional District
Tel: (250) 746-0400
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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