April 30, 2010
Gimli, Manitoba
Gimli is moving forward with construction of a new skatepark thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan and the Province of Manitoba.
“As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government has invested in recreation and fitness through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program,” said James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “Funding projects like this new skateboard park in Gimli helps our youth stay healthy, fit and active, and provides another opportunity for good, clean fun”.
With this funding, the RM of Gimli is replacing the existing park with a newly constructed, 9,500 square foot skateboard, BMX and inline skatepark. The new skatepark will be located closer to the community recreation centre and will be a meeting place where community youth can engage in physical activity.
“Community recreation initiatives, such as this new skateboard park, are providing exciting and attractive opportunities for Manitoba youth to create habits that lead to healthy, active lifestyles that last a lifetime,” said Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson.
Funding of $62,403 is provided through the RInC program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Province of Manitoba is providing $50,000 in funding through the Manitoba Community Places Program and $9,000 through the Manitoba Community Services Council. The RM of Gimli is contributing $11,218, plus land for the site.
"We are very pleased with the support we have received from the Federal, Provincial and local governments that has enabled us to move forward with the Gimli Skatepark Project. This park will be a great addition to the community, providing not only a safe and centrally located area for youth to gather and participate in recreational activities, but also a picnic area and an area for spectators to enjoy,” said Judy Kushnir, Gimli Skatepark Committee.
The RInC program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. In total, Western Economic Diversification Canada (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 RInC program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For Broadcast Use
Government of Canada funding is helping Gimli contruct a new, 9,500 square foot skateboard, BMX and inline skatepark. This federal investment of $62,403 is being provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program with the Province of Manitoba investing $59,000.
For more information, contact:
Gabriela Klimes
Communications, Winnipeg
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 204-983-6243
Charlie McDougall
Cabinet Communications
Province of Manitoba
Telephone: 204-945-1494
Judy or Derek Kushnir
Gimli Skatepark Committee
Telephone: 204-642-7157
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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