The City of St. John's will undertake upgrades to the Virginia River Trail system thanks to stimulus funding made available through the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, made the announcement of an investment of more than $350,000 for the initiative under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under the Economic Action Plan. The Minister announced the project today during a speech to the St. John's Board of Trade.
“Sports and recreation infrastructure contributes to healthy, active lifestyles for people of all ages in our communities,” said Minister Ashfield. “Through our Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is pleased to support upgrades to the Virginia River trail system, which will support local jobs and s enhance recreational options for visitors and residents of the St. John's region.”
The project will see the upgrading of 7.1 kilometers of the existing Virginia River trail system to a multi-use standard from Quidi Vidi Lake to Airport Heights. The project will include widening of the existing trail up to 3 metres, widening of existing foot bridges and boardwalks, and the installation of appropriate signage. The widening of the trail will allow for walkers and cyclists to use the trail at the same time.
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, and encourage increased participation in physical activity and community building. The RInC program is delivered in Atlantic Canada by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca .
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an investment of more than $350,000 for upgrades to the Virginia River trail system. The funding will be provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Minister announced the project during a speech to the St. John's Board of Trade.
The City of St. John's will upgrade 7.1 kilometers of the existing Virginia River trail system to a multi-use standard from Quidi Vidi Lake to Airport Heights. The project will include widening of the existing trail up to 3 metres, widening of existing foot bridges and boardwalks, and the installation of appropriate signage.
A total of $500 million over two years has been set aside through RInC to support upgrades and repairs to recreational facilities in communities throughout Canada. The fund, part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, will help mitigate the impacts of the global economic downturn by increasing construction activity in the recreational sector.
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INFORMATION: Doug Burgess Director of Public Affairs, (ACOA) ACOA 709-772- 2935
