The City of Regina, Wascana Centre Authority and the YMCA Regina are moving forward with four projects thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Today, Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina-Qu’Appelle, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and the Honourable Bill Hutchinson, Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations and MLA for Regina South, on behalf of Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs, announced joint federal-provincial funding for four projects that will create jobs for Regina.

“Our Government, through our Economic Action Plan, is taking timely targeted action to create jobs and upgrade recreational facilities across Regina,” said MP Scheer. “These upgrades will boost our economy and ensure that Regina has access to the essential recreational infrastructure that strengthens our communities for generations to come.”

"This announcement today shows our commitment to continue investing in needed infrastructure," said Minister Hutchinson. “These projects help move Saskatchewan forward with greater recreational opportunities for the City of Regina and surrounding communities.”

Federal funding of more than $1.5 million is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.  The Province of Saskatchewan is also investing more than $1.5 million, bringing the federal-provincial contribution to $3,047,332 on total project costs of $5,777,754. 

With today’s funding, an accessible playground at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre is being upgraded with new playground equipment, better drainage systems and landscaping, while accessible components of the Candy Cane Park playground are also being upgraded. The Broad Street pedestrian bridge and trail are being upgraded. A pedestrian bridge is being built to link the existing terminal landings, and the existing trail on the northwest side of the bridge is being improved.

The men’s locker and shower area in the downtown Regina YMCA is being rebuilt, and the facility’s reception area is being upgraded. Leibel Field is building a new multi-purpose support facility, and will have artificial turf and new lighting.

"We are extremely pleased and thankful to all levels of government for the infrastructure funding which will be part of our Centennial Campaign,” said Peter Hamill, past president of YMCA Regina. “This is part of a $5 million campaign which began in our centennial year, focusing on infrastructure renewal and expanding our inner city community development."

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 November 13th, to correct total program funding delivered by WD Canada across the four western provinces.

For more information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel. (306) 975-5942

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