March 27, 2010
New Westminster, British Columbia
The Centre of Integration for African Immigrants (CIAI) is moving forward with plans to upgrade a multi-purpose activity centre thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“This investment will help upgrade a facility that is so important for the African-Canadian community, providing increased recreational opportunities for local families,” said Senator Yonah Martin, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
With this investment, the CIAI is constructing a gymnasium, meeting hall, kitchen, showers and change rooms. Project activities include renovating existing space, upgrading building systems and purchasing and installing equipment. These renovations will increase recreational and organized sports opportunities for African-Canadians who have recently moved to Canada.
Funding of $275,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“On behalf of Centre of Integration for African Immigrants I would like to thank the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program for renovations on the multi-purpose activity Centre (gymnasium/meeting hall) and related facilities (kitchen, showers, change rooms) these improvements will greatly increase the recreational and organized sport opportunities for participants and ultimately provide a place where the community can interact with each other,” Said Paul Mulangu Executive Director of the Centre of Integration for African Immigrants.
The CIAI was founded in 2001 through volunteer efforts, and is a hub of community activity including arts, culture and sport opportunities for all ages.
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.
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For more information, contact:
Jaime Burke
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Paul Mulangu
Executive Director
Centre of Integration for African Immigrants
Telephone: 604-759-0240
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.
