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Government of Canada Invests in British Columbia’s Recreational Infrastructure

February 02, 2010
Vancouver, British Columbia

Today, The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board, Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway and Member of Parliament for Okanagan - Coquihalla, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for five projects that will create jobs for British Columbians.

I’m pleased to announce our Government’s support for these projects in British Columbia’s southern interior” said Minister Day.  “Investments such as this are putting British Columbians to work, encouraging greater participation in physical activity and use of recreational facilities, and ensuring that our communities have access to the essential infrastructure we need today and in the future.

Funding of $162,969 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The projects announced range in scope, from upgrades to tennis courts in Osoyoos to improvements to a public swimming pool in Greenwood. Each project aims to create jobs in the immediate future, while providing residents and visitors with improved opportunities to lead healthy and active lives.

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 nearly $153 million in RInC funding will be invested across the four western provinces by Western Economic Diversification Canada.
 
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.

For more information, contact:

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

WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder

On February 2, 2010, the Government of Canada announced funding of $162,969 towards five projects located throughout British Columbia.

  • Kaslo Trailblazers Society is receiving a federal contribution of $22,873. With this funding, the Society is building an 800-foot, wheelchair-accessible gravel trail that will overlook Kootenay Lake in the Village of Kaslo.  The society will stabilize the hillside with large landscape rocks, add a curb and a sidewalk with peninsulas for plants, to improve pedestrian safety. The trail will also connect to the 5 kilometre Kaslo Lakeview Trail, which is currently under construction.

  • Town of Osoyoos is receiving funding of $21,450 to upgrade three tennis courts adjacent to the Osoyoos Secondary School. Project activities include removing existing asphalt surface, reworking the underlay to ensure adequate drainage, resurfacing the entire area, painting the new courts and installing new posts.

  • Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is receiving a contribution of $53,340 to upgrade the Beaver Valley Arena in Fruitvale. Project activities include upgrades to the ice plant, replacement of the hot water heat recovery system and installation of an energy efficient compressor. The District will also replace the existing arena flooring, install an entrance ramp to improve accessibility and complete improvements to the shower rooms. These upgrades will allow for greater accessibility and use of the facilities for Fruitvale residents and surrounding communities.

  • Oliver Parks and Recreation Society is receiving funding of $42,666 to upgrade the surface lining of the Oliver Outdoor Community Pool.  Project activities include removal of the existing lining, application of epoxy mortar, a surface veil, sealing and glazing.  The upgrades will add to the longevity of the pool, while providing local residents with a safe place to swim and exercise.

  • Greenwood Improvements Society is receiving funding of $22,640 to upgrade the Greenwood Swimming Pool. Improvements include rebuilding the interiors of the existing change rooms, lifeguard and first aid room, replacing the wiring and plumbing systems, refinishing concrete areas including installation of non-slip floor coatings and replacing the roof and installation of directional signage outside the facility and on Highway #3.