The communities of New Westminster and Burnaby are undertaking track and field facility upgrades, thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“Improvements to these facilities will create jobs and ensure that residents of the Lower Mainland have access to the recreational infrastructure that builds strong, vibrant communities,” said the Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board, Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway and Member of Parliament for Okanagan – Coquihalla, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
An investment of $1 million is helping to expand track and field amenities at Burnaby Central Secondary School. Funding will complete site preparation, parking lot upgrades, and construction of interior amenities such as change rooms, storage areas and a multi-purpose room. Improvements will strengthen the community’s capacity to host regional, provincial and national sporting events, while increasing recreational opportunities for local residents.
"This project represents another great example of how we have successfully partnered with the Burnaby School District over the years to provide top quality sports and recreational amenities that benefit everyone in Burnaby," said Mayor Derek Corrigan. "The contribution through the Recreation Infrastructure Canada program has allowed us to build a facility which will have broad reaching benefits for athletes and recreational users both locally and throughout the country.”
A second investment of $566,667 is reconditioning Mercer Stadium’s sports track. Project activities include design and engineering, track resurfacing, and repairs to an existing storage facility. Once complete, the renovations will help the facility meet safety standards and host sanctioned track meets.
“This is a terrific announcement of support for our city, our athletes and our citizens who use this facility on a regular basis,” said City of New Westminster Mayor Wayne Wright. “These improvements to Mercer Stadium Track will help our athletes stay one step ahead of the competition and our citizens maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Total federal funding of $1,566,667 was provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (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 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 celebrating an investment of $1,566,667 towards track and field facility upgrades in New Westminster and Burnaby. The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board, Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway and Member of Parliament for Okanagan – Coquihalla, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced funding under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program for the two projects.
For more information (media only) contact:
Jaime Burke
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Dave Ellenwood
Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
City of Burnaby
Telephone: 604-294-7102
Dean Gibson
Director of Parks, Culture & Recreation
City of New Westminster
604-527-4628 or dgibson@newwestcity.ca
