March 24, 2012
Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
Today, Member of Parliament Bob Zimmer, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Blair Lekstrom, Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darwin Wren and fellow dignitaries gathered in the District of Tumbler Ridge to officially open the upgraded Tumbler Ridge Recreation Centre.
"Having worked on the original construction of this facility with my dad, I am proud that our Government has delivered on this important project for Tumbler Ridge," said Prince George – Peace River MP Bob Zimmer on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "Our investment created jobs and economic opportunities while offering a safe and fun recreational environment for residents of all ages."
Funding of $1 million was provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Province of British Columbia contributed more than $690,000 through recent Towns for Tomorrow projects, and the District Municipality of Tumbler Ridge provided the remainder of the funding.
"The recreation centre is a central feature in this community, as a gathering place for families and a hub of activity. This is a great example of how partnerships between all levels of government can work for the benefit of all," said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and MLA for Peace River South. "The province's partnership in this project shows this government's commitment to putting families first and its ability to work with all levels of government to serve the interests of British Columbians. Thanks to funding through shared partnerships like this one, infrastructure improvements can happen sooner than would otherwise be possible."
"We're excited about what we've done here," said Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darwin Wren, on behalf of the District Council. "The community has been enthusiastic about this project, and I think we've delivered a facility that everyone will be proud of and want to use. The timing of the programs could not have come at a more opportune time as the envelope of our Community Centre was failing to a degree that it would have soon become dangerous. Without the Federal and Provincial Government support, I don't know what we would have done."
With the funding, the District of Tumbler Ridge was able to complete improvements to the Recreation Centre. These improvements include upgrades to the wood building structure, installation of rain screening, and replacement of inefficient windows, frames, and doors. The Recreation Centre includes weight and fitness rooms, an aquatic centre, and skating and curling rinks and is part of the larger Tumbler Ridge Community Centre, which houses a public library and youth activity facilities.
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program invested $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 website for more information.
The Towns for Tomorrow was a five-year, $71-million program to help smaller communities and regional districts with infrastructure projects. As a result of a commitment on the part of all levels of government to accelerate the disbursement of infrastructure funding to stimulate the economy and meet the needs of communities, the federal and provincial governments proudly supported the Towns for Tomorrow program.
The District of Tumbler Ridge Community Services Department offers a wide range of sport and recreational activities through its spectacular multi-million dollar Tumbler Ridge Community Centre. Programs are designed to appeal to all ages and desires, from education and artistic to aerobic and aquatic. The Centre is dedicated to providing a safe and fun environment for people of all ages. Please visit the Community Centre section of www.tumblerridge.ca for more information on current programs.
Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Chuck Jensen
Director of Community Services
District of Tumbler Ridge
Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
Telephone: 250-242-4246
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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