Saint John residents and visitors alike will benefit from the Government of Canada's announcement today of $135,000 in upgrades to the Visit Canada Visitez trail in Saint John's Rockwood Park. The announcement was made by MP Rodney Weston on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
"This government's Economic Action Plan is ensuring that residents of Saint John and communities across Canada benefit from stimulus funds through access to improved recreational and community facilities," said Rodney Weston, MP for Saint John. "Not only will this project support significant improvement to the Visit Canada Visitez trail, but it will also support local jobs and generate additional local economic activity as work on the project takes place."
The project involves the completion of the "Visit Canada Visitez" trail as well as the provincial and territorial sites. Each site will benefit from the permanent installation of its existing monuments and stamped concrete plazas. The construction work will also include landscaping and other associated infrastructure. Visit Canada Visitez Inc. is a charitable organization committed to developing a unique "symbolic walk across Canada" that allows visitors to learn about and experience the rich history and culture of our country.
The government is providing $135,000 toward this initiative, while the City of Saint John is contributing $310,000.
"The Visit Canada Visitez trail is a central part of Rockwood Park, and is in line with other improvements being made to this gem," said Saint John Mayor Ivan Court. "The contribution from the Government of Canada will help us to complete this project to the standard of excellence our citizens expect of the park."
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. Projects are selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness, and must be completed before March 31, 2011.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Visitors and residents of Saint John received good news today as the Government of Canada announced $135,000 in upgrades to the Visit Canada Visitez trail. MP Rodney Weston and Saint John Mayor Ivan Court were on hand today to announce funding for the important project.
Under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Fund (RInC), the federal Government is providing $135,000 toward the Visit Canada Visitez trail, a unique initiative that features a site for each province and territory, allowing visitors to symbolically "walk" across Canada.
The City of Saint John is providing $310,000 to this project.
– 30 –
INFORMATION:
Arthur Thomson
Visit Canada Visitez Inc.
506-455-8961
Peggy Bélanger
A/Senior Communications Officer
ACOA NB
506-452-2466
Leah Fitzgerald
City of Saint John
506-648-3714
