July 02, 2010
Calgary, Alberta
The Calgary Soccer Federation is moving forward with field upgrades at the Subway Soccer Centre thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
"Our government is pleased to invest in this project because it will create even more opportunities for Calgary's growing soccer community and bring world-class tournaments and events to our city," said Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Calgary East, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
The existing natural grass at the Subway Soccer Centre's fields is being replaced with artificial turf. The fields will be able to accommodate a longer playing season, allowing for increased participation in available programs. With more consistent playing surfaces, the Centre is expected to attract many national and international tournaments, which would bring economic stimulus to the surrounding area.
Federal funding of $646,739 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The City of Calgary is funding $4.5 million of the project costs, while the Province of Alberta is contributing $325,000 through the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) for the turf.
"This provides two sources of return for our taxpayers' investment in this project," says Shelley Shea, a recreation manager with The City of Calgary. "More Calgarians get a chance to play and Calgary will have a facility fit for international competitions."
"The Subway Soccer Centre is both a sporting venue and a community hub," said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. "The Government of Alberta is pleased to support upgrades at this facility which helps bridge cultures, ages and genders all in the pursuit of this beautiful game."
The Community Facility Enhancement Program reinvests revenues generated from Alberta's provincial lotteries to empower local citizens and community organizations as they respond to local needs.
"This important initiative will improve the quality of soccer and other field sport programs in Calgary, directly impacting the health and quality of life of our community," says Michael Garland, Chairman of the Federation's Artificial Turf Committee, adding that over 100,000 people of all ages and demographic backgrounds are involved in Calgary's soccer programs.
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 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
The Government of Canada funding is helping the Calgary Soccer Federation upgrade the Subway Soccer Centre thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program. This federal investment of $646,739, combined with $4.5 million from the City of Calgary and $325,000 from the Province of Alberta, will provide greater opportunities for Calgary's growing soccer community and bring world-class tournaments and events to the city.
Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (780) 495-6892
Kathryn Osterberg
Department Communications Lead
The City of Calgary
Media Pager: 403-515-0134
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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