The Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club is undertaking facility improvements in preparation for hosting the 2010 BC Winter Games, thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The Honourable Jay Hill, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced federal funding for facility upgrades that will create jobs for the community of Kitimat.

“Our Government, through the Economic Action Plan, is taking action to help put British Columbians to work while upgrading our recreational infrastructure,” said Minister Hill. “The project announced today will ensure that Kitimat residents and visiting athletes have access to the essential infrastructure that will build a stronger community for now and the future.”

Funding of $32,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Province of British Columbia also provided $30,000 to the project through a community gaming grant.

The Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club is hosting 2010 BC Winter Games cross-country skiing events at the Onion Lake Ski Trails, located halfway between Kitimat and Terrace.  The Club will construct a new building to house snow-grooming equipment and provide a marshalling point for athletes.  Project work on an existing lodge includes roof and deck upgrades, kitchen renovations and installation of a water tank.

The project will be completed in time for the 2010 BC Winter Games, taking place March 4th-7th. The Games are expected to draw more than 1,900 participants over four days to Terrace and the surrounding area.

“Our club is delighted to have a bigger and better ski lodge that will make activities at the facility much less crowded,” says Liz Thorne, Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club. “Furthermore, we are pleased that federal support for this project will also mean great things for the 2010 BC Winter Games!”

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 December 1st, 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

Liz Thorne
Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club
Tel: (604) 632-6055