March 26, 2010
Victoria, British Columbia
The Capital Regional District is upgrading trails, thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“This investment in the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Rail Trail corridor is about creating jobs for British Columbians, while upgrading a trail that serves and strengthens our community,” said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport and Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) will construct pathways and bridges for the new trail, as well as pave a portion of the existing trail system.Once complete, the corridor will serve as a vital link between local communities, connecting downtown Victoria to Esquimalt, View Royal and Langford. This project will increase employment opportunities and decrease reliance on motorized transportation for area residents and visitors.
Funding of $1,000,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“On behalf of the CRD I would like to thank the Federal Government for supporting the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Rail Trail project,” said Geoff Young, CRD Board Chair. “This trail, along with our other two regional trails, will provide a great area for recreation by all citizens in the region and will help the CRD lead the way in getting drivers out of their vehicles and on to a bike, thereby reducing green house gas emissions.”
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. In total, WD has approved 718 RInC projects that will use all of the funding available in the West. These projects are helping 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 BROADCAST USE
The Government of Canada is investing $1 million to help the Capital Regional District provide green recreational opportunities. Minister of State Gary Lunn, on behalf of Western Economic Diversification Minister Lynne Yelich, announced the funding under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program for the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Rail Trail.
For more information, contact:
Jaime Burke
Manager, Communications – B.C.
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: 604-666-1318
Sheila Taylor
Manager, Corporate Communications
Capital Regional District
Tel: 250-360-3308
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.
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