5 February 2010
Amherst, Nova Scotia
The Cumberland YMCA will receive a major upgrade and a skate park will be built in Amherst, with funding support provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a key economic stimulus initiative contained in the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland- Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, 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 a total Government of Canada investment of more than $340,000 to upgrade the Cumberland YMCA and build the skate park.
"The RInC program is all about assisting communities to make the most of their recreational assets and the significant role they play in the quality of life residents enjoy," said Mr. Armstrong. "These strategic investments in the Cumberland YMCA and a skate park for Amherst will contribute to local economic activity, support local jobs and renew and enhance recreational facilities that will benefit the community for years to come."
The Cumberland YMCA project involves reconfiguring the gymnasium and fitness area, installing new windows and doors, and making mechanical and safety improvements. The Government of Canada is investing $208,543 in this project.
"From health and wellness, to childcare, to youth development the Cumberland YMCA has been a recreational mainstay for the citizens of Cumberland County for more than 20 years," said Trina Clarke, Managing Director, Cumberland YMCA. "These enhancements will ensure that we can continue to grow and serve more people in an updated and renewed facility."
The second project involves the creation of a skate park adjacent to the Amherst Stadium Complex. The park will be an 8,800 square foot poured-in-place concrete structure and will serve the recreational needs of area residents and visitors to the region. This project is receiving an investment of $133,000.
"The construction of a Skateboard Park has been discussed for many years and the feasibility study completed last summer supported the need for one in this community," said Amherst Mayor Robert Small. "The funding from ACOA moves us one step closer to finishing this project, which will broaden the offering of activities we provide to our residents."
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.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
MP Scott Armstrong, 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 a total Government of Canada investment of more than $340,000 to upgrade the Cumberland YMCA and create a skatepark in Amherst. The funding comes from the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a key economic stimulus initiative under the Government's Economic Action Plan.
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INFORMATION:
John Soosaar
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-1933/902-460-8209 (cell)
Email : John.Soosaar@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Roger MacIsaac, Executive Director of Community and
Economic Development
Town of Amherst
902-667-6500
902-694-0295 (cell)
