Today, Gerry Ritz, Member of Parliament for Battlefords—Lloydminster and Minister of Agriculture, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for energy efficiency upgrades to the St. Walburg arena under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
“Our Government remains committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term economic prosperity in our communities,
” said Minister Ritz. “By improving facilities such as St. Walburg's arena, we are boosting the local economy and making sure that this facility is enjoyed by the community for years to come.
”
The Harper Government’s investment of $42,170 will go towards energy upgrades to the arena, which will include higher efficiency lighting and the installation of new reflective foil insulation to the ceiling over the ice surface. The benefit of this insulation is twofold: it reflects light back to the ice, making the arena brighter, and reduces heat fluctuations between the ceiling and the ice surface. Maintaining more consistent temperatures will create a harder, faster surface for skaters and significantly reduce cooling costs, thereby reducing operating expenses. The arena’s out-dated sound system will also be replaced as part of this project.
“We are very pleased with the initiative to upgrade the arena facility,
” said St. Walburg Mayor Tony Leeson. “We support all initiatives that will increase the efficiency and extend the life of community facilities and programmes for our residents
”.
The initiative began with the Arena Board, which is part of the St. Walburg and District Recreation Board. “It is nice to see the Government of Canada help out with small town community facilities such as the St. Walburg Arena,” said Rec Board President Glenn Hemmelgarn. “Being in a small town, the challenge is ever increasing to not only keep these facilities running by covering the normal operating costs but to also be able to keep up with the capital expenditures that are required as well. This money will go a long way in helping keep this facility running in a cost efficient manner as well as making it a better facility to enjoy the activities that take place in it.”
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.
