February 01, 2010
Edmonton, Alberta
The City of Edmonton is moving forward with an expansion at the John Janzen Nature Centre thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Today, James Rajotte, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Leduc, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the City of Edmonton to expand and enhance the John Janzen Nature Centre.
“I am very pleased that our government, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is supporting this important project for Edmonton families,
” said MP James Rajotte. “Not only will this investment generate new jobs during the construction phase, it will also greatly benefit the children and students who visit the centre by helping them learn about nature in an exciting and engaging way.
”
Federal funding of $801,277 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan with the City of Edmonton providing $1.1 million. In addition, the Edmonton Nature Centres Foundation is contributing $550,000 towards the project.
“The John Janzen Nature Centre is unique because it teaches children a deeper awareness and understanding of nature within our urban environment,
” says Bryan Anderson, Councillor for Ward 5 with the City of Edmonton. “Our significant financial contribution, along with that of the Federal government and the Edmonton Nature Centres Foundation, will significantly enhance the John Janzen Nature Centre and help our city realize its vision for improved livability and environmental sustainability.
”
The nature centre expansion consists of a new interpretive play space and “green
” roof. Establishing the interpretive play space includes installing indoor play structures and will allow children to learn about nature in a fun, interactive environment. The native flowers and shrubs grown on the “green
” roof will further enhance the natural appeal of the centre and the experiences of visitors.
“The construction of a new Children’s Discovery Gallery will allow children to become physically involved with our interpretive material, whether it is climbing a tree, crawling through oversized ground squirrel tunnels or exploring a beaver lodge and habitat
” explained Don Hussey, Vice President of Edmonton Nature Centres Foundation, the Board charged with creating the vision for expansion of the John Janzen Nature Centre. “Nature should be hands-on for kids, focusing on learning through play at any time of the year.
”
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 by Western Economic Diversification Canada.
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For more information, contact
Donna Kinley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
1-780-495-4165
City of Edmonton Contact
Bobbi Klettke
City of Edmonton Communications
780-442-0961
Don Hussey
Vice President
Edmonton Nature Centres Foundation
780 483-7267
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.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
