Windsor, Ontario, August 27, 2011 — Federal and provincial representatives joined the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) today to celebrate the completion of the organization’s new riding facility.
For over 40 years, WETRA has provided therapeutic riding and educational services to children and adults with disabilities, at-risk youth and other members of the community. This new, accessible facility was specifically designed to meet the needs of the organization and the people it serves. It features customized riding trails, indoor and outdoor arenas, stables, a classroom, administrative space and agricultural fields. It will help WETRA to improve access to therapeutic riding services and expand program offerings to the broader community.
“This infrastructure investment will contribute to the health and well-being of local children and adults living with disabilities,” said Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities. “Our government is pleased to have supported the construction of WETRA’s new facility which will enable them to offer specialized programs and therapy to better meet the needs of their community.”
“The Government of Ontario is proud to support this important infrastructure project, which is enhancing the quality of life for at-risk youth and individuals living with disabilities,” said the Honourable Sandra Pupatello, Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor West. “Thanks to our timely, targeted investments in Ontario’s not-for-profit sector, we are strengthening invaluable social supports in our communities.”
“WETRA cannot imagine a better way to celebrate its 40th anniversary than with the opening of a brand new facility that will meet the needs of persons with special needs in Windsor-Essex County,” said Sue Klotzer, Program Director for WETRA.
The governments of Canada and Ontario are each contributing up to a maximum of $724,640 toward the total eligible project cost of $2,368,995. The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association is contributing $919,715 toward this project.
Federal funding for these projects comes from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which is providing funding to over 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country.
This project supports Building Together, Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province’s roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Since 2003, the Government of Ontario has created and supported 600,000 jobs and invested $62 billion in infrastructure. Through Building Together, Ontario will continue to make significant investments in public infrastructure, starting with an investment of more than $35 billion over the next three years.
For additional information about investments in infrastructure, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
For further information about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit ontario.ca/infrastructure.
Contacts:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Office of MPP Pupatello
519-977-7191
Sue Klotzer
Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association
519-726-7682
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148 or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
