May 03, 2010
Cowichan Valley, British Columbia
The Cowichan Rugby Club and Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society will be receiving a federal boost, thanks to Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“Investing in these projects will create jobs in the Cowichan Valley, while providing the local community with an improved recreational area to enjoy for many years to come,” 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 Cowichan Rugby Club is receiving $63,416 in Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) funding towards the construction of two playing fields and change rooms, as well as upgrades to electrical infrastructure, plumbing, field lighting and parking. The project will address the shortage of rugby playing space in the region.
"The Cowichan Rugby grounds is a leader in youth, women's and men's rugby in British Columbia. Funding has allowed the facility to double its playing surface and will now include two International sized playing surfaces from the original single field. To date, local contractor, Stan Holman Backhoe Services, has installed over 2 acres of new sand based playing surface which includes a complete upgrade of the underground drainage and irrigation infrastructure. The new field space will be ready for full use by the public later this year,” said John James, President, Cowichan Rugby Club.
Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society is receiving Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) funding of $55,000 to expand the Somenos Marsh Open Air Classroom boardwalk by approximately 350 feet, resulting in an 850 foot closed loop boardwalk extending into the marsh. This project will enhance viewing of local wildlife and migratory bird species, create educational experiences and increase usage by local residents and visitors, while generating tourism opportunities in the Cowichan Valley.
“The Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society is very excited about completing phase 2 this summer with funding support from CAF. The first phase of the boardwalk is already a great success amongst all levels of mobility and interests, from the community and from afar. We thank the community who helped us achieve the matching funds to get this financial support. We are especially pleased to be using local contractors and supporting local businesses with this project,” said Paul Fletcher, President, Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society.
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.
CAF supports the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on resource-based industries. WD is delivering the fund in the four western provinces.
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program and Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For broadcast use
The Government of Canada is investing $118,416 towards the Cowichan Rugby Club and Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Funding for these two projects is being provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program and the Community Adjustment Fund.
For more information, contact:
Jaime Burke
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: 604-666-1318
John James (TBC)
President
Cowichan Rugby Club
Tel: 250-709-5137
Paul Fletcher
President
Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society
Tel: 250-746-4341
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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