Two projects that will strengthen recreational services in southeast Calgary are moving forward thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Today, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Calgary Southeast, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the Calgary Korean Association's recreational facility renovations and for the Fairview Women's Hockey Arena Society's arena revitalization initiative. These projects will enhance Calgary's recreational infrastructure, while stimulating economic activity.
"The 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver proved the benefits of investing in our athletes. It is particularly important to support our athletes early on, and today's announcement will do just that," said Minister Kenney.
Federal funding of $170,663 for the Calgary Korean Association and $44,723 for the Fairview Women's Hockey Arena Society is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
The Calgary Korean Association will renovate a newly acquired facility to include a gymnasium and multi-purpose room. Activities involve upgrading the mechanical systems and flooring, as well as the construction of a parking lot and landscaping outside the building. The project enables the Association to have an increased capacity to provide recreational space for Calgary's Korean population, which has grown to 15,000 residents in recent years.
"These renovations will help us attract new members and ensure that our facilities serve Calgary's growing Korean community for many years to come," said Dennis Hong, President of the Calgary Korean Association.
Funding is also being provided to the Fairview Women's Hockey Arena Society for upgrades to the Fairview Arena. The project includes expanding the parking lot and making improvements to the entrance, lobby, washrooms, concession and offices, which will increase functional space and accessibility. The renovations are expected to help meet community needs by generating employment opportunities and by allowing the facility to better accommodate local sports groups, including the growing women's hockey program.
"We are very grateful to be receiving funding for this project that will further build upon our efforts to become the cornerstone facility for the development of girls and women's hockey in Calgary," said Leslie Ann Kalman, Treasurer of the Fairview Women's Hockey Arena Society.
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. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the program in Western Canada.
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 a total of $ 215,386 to help southeast Calgary strengthen its recreational infrastructure. The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism on behalf of Western Economic Diversification Minister Lynne Yelich announced the funding under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program for the upgrades to the Calgary Korean Association's recreational facility and the Fairview Women's Hockey Arena Society's arena.
For more information, contact:
Donna Kinley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432
Dr. Joe Cho,
Project Lead
Calgary Korean Community Centre
(403) 567-0402
Leslie Ann Kalman
Treasurer
Fairview Women's Hockey Arena Society
(403) 617-1425
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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