January 28, 2010
Delta, British Columbia
The Corporation of Delta and Delta Gymnastics Society are working together to improve opportunities for local gymnasts, thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Today, Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond and Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the much anticipated project that will create jobs for Delta.
“I’m pleased to announce our Government’s support for improved gymnastics opportunities in Delta,” said MP Wong. “This investment will create immediate jobs right here in Delta, while providing an improved facility that will serve and strengthen our community for many years to come.”
Funding of $753,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
With this funding, a new gymnasium purpose-built for gymnastics, change rooms, equipment storage and ancillary services space will be constructed in Delta. Once complete the facility will be able to offer a variety of programs concurrently, a feature that the current South Delta Recreation Centre is not able to support. The project will also generate significant short-term employment during the construction phase.
“An expanded Delta Gymnastic facility is an exciting prospect,” said Mayor Lois Jackson, Corporation of Delta. “Learning motor skills and developing our youth to live active, healthy lives is something Delta promotes. On behalf of Delta Council, I would like to thank the Federal Government for its generous financial contribution towards this important initiative.”
“It’s been a long time coming” said Delta Gymnastics President Lawrence Benjamin, referencing its thirteen year fundraising campaign to expand its current facilities in response to increasing demand for its programs. “This is a great way to start the new year, and we appreciate the federal government committing to this excellent community project. This is the boost we have been waiting for to make it all happen,” said Benjamin.
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:
Jackie Stewart
A/Manager, Communications – B.C.
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-7543
Ken Kuntz
Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture
Corporation of Delta
Telephone: 604.952.3537
Graeme Drew
Director and Chair, Communications Committee
Delta Gymnastics Society
Telephone: 604.943.7362
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at http://www.wd.gc.ca.
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