The District of Saanich is improving local parks and recreational facilities thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport and Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced federal funding for two projects that will create jobs for Saanich.

“Our Government, through the Economic Action Plan, is taking action to create jobs for British Columbians in these difficult times,” said Minister of State Lunn. “The projects announced today will ensure that Saanich residents have access to upgraded recreational facilities that will promote physical activity and help strengthen our community for years to come.”

Funding of $1,665,445 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The first investment of $1,000,000 will support the District of Saanich to upgrade 21 local parks.  Funding will repair playgrounds, replace multi-sport courts, rehabilitate sports fields, resurface and reconstruct tennis courts and build one new multi-sport court.

A second investment of $665,445 is going towards the completion of roof repairs to Saanich Commonwealth Place, a multi-purpose facility featuring a 50 metre pool, 10 metre tower, hot tubs, steam room, sauna, fitness centre and other sports facilities. The project will replace the original skylight, as well as repair the parapets, flat roof and interface between the skylight and sloped metal roof.

Both projects will be completed by March 31, 2011 and will strengthen the quality of recreational opportunities available to local residents and visitors. Significant employment opportunities will also be generated.

“We are honoured to receive funding from the Government of Canada under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program,” said Mayor Frank Leonard. “These investments will help us work in partnership with the community to create a quality of life that fosters and supports healthy citizens and community environments.”

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 November 20th, to correct total program funding delivered by WD Canada across the four western provinces.

For more information, contact:

Donna Howes
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: 604-666-1318
Cell: 604-505-6616

Mayor Frank Leonard
District of Saanich
Tel:  250-475-5510