May 31, 2010
Vancouver, British Columbia
The Vancouver School Board (VSB), on behalf of the École Jules Quesnel Parents Advisory Committee, is moving forward with a significant playground revitalization thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“"This investment through our Economic Action Plan is creating jobs right here in the community, while providing recreational infrastructure for local children to enjoy for many years to come,"” 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.
With this investment, the VSB is installing two new playgrounds, a climbing net and a fitness area at École Jules Quesnel Elementary School. These much needed upgrades will serve students from kindergarten through grade seven, as well as children from the nearby West Point Grey Community Centre.
Funding of $72,910 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“"We know that safe and stimulating playgrounds are an integral part of public schools and welcome the federal support for the purchase and installation of two new playground structures at Jules Quesnel Elementary School,"” said VSB Board Chairperson Patti Bacchus.
""The Ecole Jules Quesnel Parent Advisory Committee is very grateful for this funding. RInC support compliments a very successful fundraising campaign involving parents, community members and local businesses. Without the participation of all the generous donors involved, the children would have returned to their school, after the completion of seismic upgrades, to find an empty school yard. Instead they will enjoy a carefully planned and creative play space,"" said Kirsten Bevelander, Ecole Jules Quesnel Parent Advisory Committee Chair.
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 investing $72,910 to help the Vancouver School Board complete playground improvements at École Jules Quesnel Elementary School. Minister Stockwell Day, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced funding under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program for the project.
For more information (media only), contact:
Jaime Burke
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Patti Bacchus,
Chairperson,
Vancouver School Board
604-250-1130
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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