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Scowlitz First Nation and Abbotsford residents will be able to enjoy new and improved sports amenities, thanks to $328,363 in funding through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

"Today’s exciting investments will not only provide these communities with improved athletic facilities, but will also create immediate jobs for local workers,” said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

An investment of $300,000 towards the Scowlitz First Nation is replacing playground equipment and constructing a skateboard park, basketball court and soccer field. The community of just over 200 people is located near Lake Errock, northeast of Chilliwack, and currently has limited recreational opportunities available to residents.

“On behalf of the Sqewlets (Scowlitz) Community, I would like to thank Western Economic Diversification for their financial contribution for our project,” said Chief Andy Phillips, Scowlitz First Nation. “We appreciate the support and the community is excited to have this new infrastructure available for their enjoyment.”

A second investment of $28,363 will help Cricket Canada improve Abbotsford’s only cricket pitches.  Funding will install new turf-covered cricket pitches, as well help purchase sprinklers and covers to protect the turf and extend the playing season.

“Cricket Canada is pleased to partner with Cricket BC, City of Abbotsford and the Government of Canada in bringing natural turf pitches for the benefit of the BC cricket community,” said Ranjit Saini, President, Cricket Canada. “We are delighted with the fact that BC cricketers will now have the ability to train and compete at the same level as international cricket games.“

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. In total, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has approved 718 RInC projects that will use all of the funding available in the West. These projects are providing a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global downturn while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.

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

For broadcast use

The Government of Canada is supporting two projects in B.C.’s Fraser Valley. Western Economic Diversification Minister of State Lynne Yelich announced a combined investment of nearly $330,000 towards the Scowlitz First Nation and Cricket Canada, under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program.

For more information (media only) contact:

Jaime Burke
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318

Vimal Hardat,
2nd Vice President
Cricket Canada
Telephone: 778-242-7653
Email: vimal.cricketcanada@gmail.com

Andy Phillips
Chief
Scowlitz First Nation
Telephone: (604) 796-0627