Recreational Infrastructure in Southern Alberta Receives Government of Canada Support

December 18, 2009

MP Lee Richardson announces federal funding for seven projects that will strengthen recreational infrastructure in Southern Alberta communities and stimulate economic activity.

Calgary, Alberta – Seven projects that will enhance recreational services in Southern Alberta communities will move forward thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

 “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are continuing to support the recreational needs of Canadians,” said MP Lee Richardson. “The projects being announced here today, such as the Centennial Arenas expansion, will lead to improved recreational infrastructure and greater participation in physical activity while helping to improve local economies.”

The total federal funding of $2,017,084 million towards the seven individual projects is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Federal funding will support the South West Arena Society’s expansion of the existing Centennial Arenas in Calgary. The project will involve adding an NHL-sized ice surface, 12 dressing rooms, a second-level viewing area (capacity of 200 people), a concession and a pro shop. The front lobby will undergo renovations so that the new areas can be accessed from the main entrance. This project will allow a greater number of residents to take advantage of the facility and improve the visiting experience for both participants and spectators.

“For close to a decade, a dedicated team of volunteers and professionals has been dreaming, planning, designing and fundraising to make the expansion of Calgary Centennial Arenas a reality,” said Brian Fleming, Chair, South West Arena Society Expansion Building Committee. “Now, thanks to the federal government's generosity, we are one step closer to making the Building Goals, Building Community campaign project come to life!”

Calgary residents also stand to benefit from two additional projects that involve upgrading local recreational amenities. The City of Calgary will replace the existing irrigation system for 10 playing fields in five athletic parks in order to improve the quality of the playing surfaces, as well as reduce operating, water and energy costs. In addition, a federal investment will allow the Stampede City Gymnastics Club to expand its delivery of programs by enhancing its gymnasium facility.

In the Town of Okotoks, federal funding will be directed towards improving nine different outdoor recreational areas through various project activities such as reconfiguring fields, installing irrigation and drainage upgrades, and adding features such as fences, benches, and goal posts. The project is expected to increase the availability of high quality recreational venues for community members, create new opportunities to host tournaments and benefit the local economy.

The Blackie and District Agricultural Society will make upgrades the Blackie Arena by enlarging the foyer and adding four new dressing rooms. The project will also include renovations to existing dressing rooms, change areas and mechanical rooms. The enhanced facility is expected to encourage greater participation in physical activity and contribute to the local economy by attracting new business to the arena.

Additional project highlights include renovations to the Botha Arena that will enable the facility to continue serving the surrounding population, as well as upgrades to a playground in the Village of Cowley that will benefit children and families in the community for years to come.

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. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the program in Western Canada. A total of almost $163 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.