The City of Richmond is celebrating the completion of Middle Arm Greenway dike improvements thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Today, Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Richmond, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced that federal funding contributed to improving a popular waterfront trail, creating recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors.

"The Middle Arm Greenway project will greatly enhance the community's enjoyment of our surrounding natural beauty,” said Parliamentary Secretary Wong. “Walkers, runners, and bikers will all benefit from the extension of the Waterfront Urban Trail. This project is an example of what can be achieved when we work together to better our community.”

Funding of $1,000,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

With this investment, the City of Richmond upgraded 1.3 kilometres of the Middle Arm Greenway trail by widening the trail, installing seating, signage and lighting. Funding went towards construction of two spectator seating areas and a non-motorized boat launch for recreational activities such as competitive rowing, dragon boat racing and sailing.

“The Middle Arm greenway is an amazing project that integrates public art, dike upgrades and play stations for children,” explains Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Visitors to the Richmond Olympic Oval will enjoy this interactive pathway from the Aberdeen Station on the Canada Line while Richmond residents will benefit from the improvements year-round.”

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.

For more information, contact:

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

Cynthia Lockrey
Senior Manager, Media Relations
City of Richmond
Telephone: 604-247-4908