Three recreational projects in the Digby area will bring lasting benefits to local residents as a result of funding support provided through the Government of Canada's Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an investment of $71,955 for upgrades to recreational facilities throughout the Digby area.
"Our government's priority is to deliver timely and targeted support to the Canadian workers, families, communities and businesses as we deal with the fall-out of the global economic downturn," said MP Kerr. "The investments we are making in these projects will contribute to local economic activity, support jobs and renew recreational facilities that will benefit area residents for years to come." Through a $51,488 investment, the Digby Area Recreation Facility will undergo renovations that will improve the safety, comfort, and cost effectiveness of the entire facility. The renovations will include energy efficiency and accessibility upgrades and parking lot repairs. The enhanced facilities will be used to host the 2011 Canadian Senior Men's and Women's Curling Championships.
"These repairs will allow the Recreation Facility to continue providing quality leisure activities for the residents of Digby," said Jean Brittain, Chair of the Digby Area Recreation Facility. "We are looking forward to improving this vital mainstay of our community. This is part of a larger program that will allow Digby Area Recreation Commission facilities to become more accessible, increase the energy efficiency, and better serve our customers."
The Municipality of the District of Digby will also soon be home to a brand new mini soccer field through an investment of $11,582. The field is specifically designed to aid in the development of young soccer players.
"Establishing active and healthy lifestyles has to begin early on," said Warden Jim Thurber. "This is why the creation of the brand new mini soccer field is so important to the Municipality of Digby. We can now provide to our younger sports enthusiasts a field that is tailored to fit their needs."
Finally, an investment of $8,884 will be used for repairs to two existing soccer fields operated by the Tri-County Regional School Board. The soccer field upgrades are intended to improve safety while making them more enjoyable places to play.
"Heavy use of these two fields has caused the need for crucial repairs," said Phil Landry, Superintendent of the Tri-County Regional School Board. "With the help of this funding, we can ensure the fields will be restored for years of enjoyment."
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 Canada, and to encourage increased participation in physical activity and community building. RInC projects are selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness, and must be completed before March 31, 2011. The RInC program is delivered in Atlantic Canada by ACOA.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
MP Gregg Kerr, on behalf of ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield, today announced an investment of $71,955 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program for upgrades to three recreational facilities in the Digby County area. Projects involved include upgrades to the Digby Area Recreation Facility, a new mini-soccer field in the Town of Digby, as well as new soccer field for the Tri- County Regional School Board.
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INFORMATION:
Denise Arsenault
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9304 / 902-456-3066 (cell)
Email : Denise.arsenault@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
