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The City of Grande Prairie is moving forward with upgrades to the Coca-Cola Centre thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Today, Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the project that will strengthen Grande Prairie’s recreational infrastructure and stimulate the local economy.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to announce funding through the Economic Action Plan for this important project,” said MP Chris Warkentin. “These upgrades will allow more residents to participate in activities at the facility, contribute to the success of the upcoming Arctic Winter Games and aid in Grande Prairie’s bidding for other such major events in the future.”

Federal funding of $652,000 is provided for the upgrades through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The total project cost is $2,040,000.

“This investment in community infrastructure is exciting news,” said Mayor Dwight Logan. “The Coca-Cola Centre is a key recreational facility for Grande Prairie and region and these funds will provide important enhancements. We appreciate the federal government’s recognition of what this complex means to our community and our local area.”

The upgrades to the Coca-Cola Centre, which will play host to the Arctic Winter Games in March 2010, involve adding features such as bleachers, dehumidifiers, lighting, tempered glass and new mechanical system units. In addition, the front entrance and viewing area will also be renovated, while the ice plant will undergo modifications to increase the facility’s energy-efficiency. The upgrades will increase the facility’s usage and longevity, while helping the region to attract more economic generators such as major athletic events and tournaments.

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. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the program in Western Canada.
 
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 January 5th, to correct total program funding delivered by WD Canada across the four western provinces.

For more information, contact:

Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (780) 495-6892

Dwight Logan
Mayor, City of Grande Prairie
(780) 538-0310
dlogan@cityofgp.com

Kylee Haining
Manager, Coca-Cola Centre
(780) 513-5251
khaining@cityofgp.com