Watrous is upgrading its arena thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Today, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Greg Brkich, MLA for Arm River-Watrous, on behalf of the Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs, announced federal funding for a project that will create jobs for the community.

“Thanks to our Government’s  Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, the Town of Watrous is able to improve their local arena, ensuring families and spectators can have access to such an important community facility,” said Minister Yelich. 

Funding of $53,333 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Province of Saskatchewan is providing a matching contribution and the Town of Watrous is funding the balance for a total estimated project cost of $160,000.

Upgrades to the Centennial Arena include installing new bleachers to replace temporary seating. The installation of permanent seating will enhance spectator safety and increase opportunities to attract large events to the facility.

"This announcement today again shows our commitment to continue investing in needed infrastructure," said Brkich. “This project helps move Saskatchewan forward with greater recreational opportunities for the Town of Watrous and surrounding communities.”

“We are grateful for the opportunity to enter into a cost sharing agreement with our Federal and Provincial partners.  The RInC funding has made our bleacher replacement project an affordable reality.  Recreation and cultural facilities are integral to sustaining a viable community and this funding will improve this great facility for residents and visitors alike.”  Mayor Ed Collins, Town of Watrous.

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program is investing $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It is providing a temporary economic stimulus that is reducing 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 12th, to correct total program funding delivered by WD Canada across the four western provinces.

For more information, contact:

Lisa Hutniak
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Lisa.Hutniak@wd-deo.gc.ca

Jeff Welke
Executive Director, Communications
Saskatchewan Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Tel: (306) 787-6156