July 07, 2010
Vancouver, British Columbia
The City of Vancouver will undertake local park improvements thanks to $2 million in Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program funding, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“Investing in Vancouver’s sports fields and parks will put British Columbians to work, encourage greater participation in physical activity and ensure that our communities have access to the essential infrastructure we need today and in the future,” said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, as she and members of the local Boys and Girls Club gathered today to celebrate the start of construction at East Vancouver’s Fraserview Park.
With an investment of $1 million, the City of Vancouver's Board of Parks and Recreation will upgrade the Jericho Beach Park and Memorial South Park sports fields. New artificial turf will improve field use while conserving water and reducing gasoline powered maintenance.
A second investment of $1 million will renovate Grandview Park, Fraserview Park and Norquay Park. Funding will install water pumps, water filtering systems, new playground equipment and pedestrian paths, with designs based on public feedback.
“Federal stimulus funding is allowing the Vancouver Park Board to accelerate its renewal plans and upgrade aging parks sooner than expected,” said Park Board Chair Aaron Jasper. “It is partnerships like this, in addition to long-term planning, that will ensure residents’ continued enjoyment of City parks for decades to come.”
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.
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For more information, (media only) contact:
Jerra Byrne
Senior Special Assistant - Communications
Office of the Minister of State - Western Economic Diversification
jerra.byrne@wd-deo.gc.ca
Joyce Courtney
Communications Manager
Vancouver Park Board
Telephone: 604-257-8699
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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