Canada’s Economic Action Plan: Success in the West

Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Projects in British Columbia

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As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan (EAP), Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has invested over $439 million towards more than 1,000 projects across the West. These projects are contributing to Canada’s economic recovery and creating jobs. Since July 2009, the EAP has helped to create nearly 600,000 jobs across Canada.

Through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) initiative, WD has provided almost $150 million in funds for the construction or improvement of recreational facilities in local communities across the West. Of these funds, projects in British Columbia will receive nearly $61 million.

The following are two examples of RInC projects that are making a difference in BC communities:

Art Fraser Memorial Park – Fort Nelson

When a flood damaged Fort Nelson’s recreational facilities several years ago, it was a blow to the rural and remote northern community. The situation has now improved, thanks to $275,170 from RInC, which helped the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality – encompassing Fort Nelson and the surrounding rural area – complete extensive upgrades to one of the community’s most popular destinations. The funding was used to construct a full size basketball court, two full size tennis courts and two full size volleyball courts at Art Fraser Memorial Park. The project also included installing fences around the perimeter of the park and building a paved recreational path for pedestrians and cyclists.

City of Vancouver – Norquay Park

Norquay Park, a neighbourhood institution located on the city’s east side, recently celebrated its revitalization. The redesigned northern portion of the 2.23 hectare (5.5 acre) park features a new playground, sport court, tai chi area, pedestrian paths, benches and mosaics created by local artists and residents. The park is also an environmental first for the Vancouver Park Board as it captures runoff from the water spray park in order to filter and reuse it in a nearby rain garden. Immensely popular already with local residents, the park will serve as a strong reminder of what can be achieved when governments and communities work together. The project cost $800,000, of which about one-third came from RInC funds.