The federal and provincial governments are investing a total of $2 million toward the construction of an 8,500 square foot addition to the Winfield Recreation Centre in Lake Country. Ron Cannan, MP Kelowna-Lake Country, and Al Horning, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country, announced the funding for the project from the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund today.

“This joint investment of $2 million will not only expand Lake Country’s multipurpose facility, but will also increase its energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption through heat reclamation technology, and enable residents to enjoy a vibrant and active lifestyle,” said Mr. Cannan on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “Through collaboration and partnership, Canada’s New Government is building healthier and more prosperous communities in Lake Country.”

The expansion of the Winfield Recreation Centre will see the construction of skate change rooms and a storage room. The new addition will follow LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) specifications and new technologies will be considered in the construction. For example, excess heat generated by compressors will be recycled as a heat source for public spaces. Other cost-effective upgrades, including direct digital control devices, water and energy conservation systems, and a green roof design will be incorporated into the project. This project is conditionally approved pending completion of an environmental assessment.

“By funding a project that encourages residents to participate in physical activity while using efficient, sustainable facilities, we are making a difference to a community’s environmental and physical health,” said MLA Horning. “This project is also another example of how our government is helping to build greener and healthier communities across British Columbia.”

Under the initial CBCMRIF Agreement signed in June 2006, the federal and provincial governments each committed $51 million to the fund, with participating local governments expected to make up the remaining costs. This year, Canada’s New Government and the Province of B.C. have each provided an additional $23.5 million to the Canada-B.C. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment and matching local government contribution in CBCMRIF projects to over $220 million.

The majority of the funding is targeted towards communities of fewer than 250,000 people and at least 60 per cent of the funding will assist with “green projects” such as drinking water supply, treatment and distribution needs as well as wastewater and energy efficiency projects. The remaining funds will be dedicated to other projects like tourism, recreation and other infrastructure.

More details on the program are available through the Canada-British Columbia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund website, at http://www.canadabcmrif.ca/.

For additional information, contact:

Karl Yeh
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-4714

Marc Black
B.C. Ministry of Community Services
(250) 356-6334