The Honourable Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan, and David Anderson, Member of Parliament for Cypress Hills-Grasslands, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced a joint investment of more than $5.5 million through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan that will help strengthen economic opportunities across Saskatchewan.
 
"This announcement today continues our government's investment in infrastructure," said Premier Brad Wall. “Swift Current, like many communities across Saskatchewan, is growing and investments in projects such as the upgrades to the Fairview Arenas will help ensure that our communities are prepared for this growth and are moving forward.  The project will provide greater recreational opportunities and create jobs for residents of Swift Current and area."

“Our Government is continuing with our investments to help create more jobs and opportunities for all of Saskatchewan,” said Mr. Anderson. “With today’s announcement of eleven more projects, a total of 108 community rinks, arenas, and pools are being refurbished and renovated across our province thanks to Canada’s Economic Action Plan.”

Recreational facilities such as rinks, sports fields, and multi-purpose facilities will receive upgrades, including: upgrades to the Fairview Arena in Swift Current; upgrades to Centennial Park in Maple Creek; upgrades to the YMCA sports facility in Moose Jaw, improvements to an accessible playground at the Forestry Farm Park in Saskatoon, and replacing the existing VanPam pool in Vanguard.

Federal funding of over $2.5 million is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.  The Province of Saskatchewan is also investing more than $3 million, bringing the federal-provincial contribution to $5,620,160 on total project costs of $10,946,515.

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities. A total of almost $163 million in RinC funding will be invested across the four western provinces.

Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.

For additional information, contact:

Rhonda Shymko
A/Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (306) 975-6980

Jeff Welke
Executive Director, Communications
Saskatchewan Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Tel: (306) 787-6156