Clive, Alberta – Today, Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for the Clive Arena under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
“I am proud to see the Village of Clive benefit from our Government’s support for community infrastructure,
” said MP Calkins. “This investment will help create jobs, growth and will support the prosperity of the community for years to come.
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The Harper Government’s investment of $193,209 will support renovations and upgrades to the facility’s ice plant, heating and plumbing systems, as well as the installation of a wheelchair lift. These improvements to the Arena will help attract visitors to the community and expand the life-span of this valued recreational facility.
“The Clive Athletic and Agriculture Society is extremely excited to be receiving funding from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund,
” said Ryan Ronald, President of the Clive Athletic and Agricultural Society. “When we started fundraising a year ago to raise money for arena renovations, it was a huge task for our volunteer group to undertake. With the backing of our local supporters and the CIIF funding, we can now kick start our renovations and upgrade our facility. The Clive Arena is an important part of our community, and these renovations will allow us to continue to support our local groups, school and families.”
“I’m pleased to see our Federal Government partnering with Municipal Governments, community groups and the private sector for important facilities such as the Clive Arena,
” said Ken Wigmore, Lacombe County Reeve. “In 2011, Lacombe County provided more than $116,000 to the Clive Athletic and Agricultural Society for upgrades to the Clive Arena through our Recreation Capital Assistance Reserve.
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“Encana’s community investment program is focused on supporting the strength, spirit and sustainability of the communities where we are privileged to operate,
” says Don Letwinetz, Community Relations Advisor of Encana Corporation. “The Arena is an important part of the Clive community and will continue to be used by residents of all ages for years to come.
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“Our office is extremely passionate about this cause, as a lot of our families had big parts in originally building this Arena, either as volunteer, laborer, or as fundraiser,
” said Margaret Williams, Managing Partner of Western Financial Group’s Clive branch. “All of our staff had kids who played hockey or figured skated in this Arena, so this cause is very near and dear to our hearts. We are thrilled to help support the refurbishment of the Clive Arena to ensure that future generations can enjoy this great facility.
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In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.
Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
