Six projects to improve recreational services in Calgary and Southern Alberta communities are moving forward thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Today, Devinder Shory, Member of Parliament for Calgary Northeast, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for six projects to enhance recreational infrastructure throughout Calgary and Southern Alberta while stimulating economic activity.

“I’m proud that our Government is improving recreational facilities in our communities,” said MP Devinder Shory. “This particular multi-purpose facility will provide local residents with a place to participate in physical activity, immediately creating jobs while strengthening our community for the long-term. “

The total federal funding of $1,520,974 towards the six individual projects is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is taking immediate action to enable Alberta communities to emerge from the economic downturn and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre-North. “With projects such as those announced today, the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program is creating immediate jobs and building strong, vibrant communities.”

Federal funding for the City of Calgary’s Westwinds Dry Pond retrofit project has been directed towards improving the dry storm management pond by adding a multi-purpose facility that includes a sports field comprising two rectangular fields and an overlapping cricket area. Although the area will continue to be used as a dry pond to collect large amounts of rainwater during storm events, it has now been retrofitted to allow for recreational activities. The project will enable the City of Calgary to meet the increasing demand for open and accessible recreational spaces.

Calgary residents are also benefiting from three additional infrastructure initiatives that involve enhancements to local recreational facilities and further promote participation in physical activity.

The Trico Centre for Family Wellness in southeast Calgary is utilizing federal funding to upgrade areas such as the arena, pool, gymnasium and exterior of the building. The improvements are needed to ensure the facility can continue providing high quality services and a variety of recreational opportunities to area residents.

Additional project highlights include supporting the expansion of the Cardel Place Fitness Centre so that it can more effectively meet the needs of community members and accommodate local sports groups, while a federal investment towards Mount Royal University is helping to retrofit its pool facility’s drainage systems.

Meanwhile, more than 4,600 children, youth and families who visit the Dr. Lander Memorial Pool in the Town of Turner Valley will benefit from upgrades to the facility. Activities include enhancements to the change rooms, replacement of the pool decking and installation of a pool liner. Further, the Town of Bow Island’s community pool facility is also be modernized through the replacement of the roof structure.

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 $153 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.

Note: This web version of the news release was amended after its release October 31st, to correct total program funding delivered by WD Canada across the four western provinces.

For more information, contact:

Donna Kinley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432