June 18, 2011
North Cowichan, British Columbia
Today, dignitaries representing the District of North Cowichan and City of Duncan, officially opened the Somenos Sportsfields – three new baseball fields in the central Vancouver Island community.
“I am delighted to offer my congratulations for the completion of the Somenos Sports Fields – a project that is truly a testament to what can be achieved with patience and hard work,” said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “Our government’s investment in better recreational facilities is helping to stimulate the local economy, enhance local facilities and services, and contribute to the health and quality of life of residents in the Cowichan Valley.”
Funding of $1 million was provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The District of North Cowichan contributed $1,299,557, and the City of Duncan raised an additional $699,784.
The three new sport fields are centrally located on Somenos Road. The new fields will allow the District to host major tournaments and games, strengthening the local economy and reducing travel by teams to out-of-town facilities.
“These ball fields are another first class facility for our community,” said District of North Cowichan Mayor Tom Walker. “The $1 million grant we received from the federal government allowed us to augment the original design of the ball fields to include better playability in inclement weather, upgraded fencing, and a design that meets international and Canadian baseball and softball standards to attract regional, provincial, national and international tournaments. The commitment of the federal government to improve infrastructure and promote healthy and active lifestyles for our citizens is to be applauded.”
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program is investing $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For additional information, contact:
Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Telephone: (604) 666-1318
Ernie Mansueti
Director of Parks and Recreation
District of North Cowichan
mansueti@northcowichan.ca
Telephone: (250) 746-3100
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
