Posted on 05/11/2009, 2:09 pm, by mySteinbach

Local hockey rinks, swimming pools, and other community sites throughout the West will be eligible to receive funding for upgrades, renovations, and fix-ups thanks to the new Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC) in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Funding for the RInC program is now available through Western Economic Diversification Canada.
 
“For decades, community centres across Western Canada have been a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbours,” said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “The RInC program will stimulate benefits to the economy, create jobs and contribute to the health and quality of life in our local communities.”
 
This two-year national initiative is expected to provide a timely, targeted, and temporary stimulus to the Canadian economy, while ensuring that local families and communities can continue to count on their local fields, arenas and pools for decades to come.
 
“Accessible community and recreational facilities are as much a part of our infrastructure as bridges and roads. They provide a place for families to meet as well as a place to enjoy sports and recreational activities,” said the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board. “The Recreational Infrastructure Canada program will help communities realize long-term improvements to their recreational infrastructure, while stimulating local economies during this global economic downturn.”
 
The federal government will fund up to 33 percent of eligible costs. The remaining funding will need to be sourced from provincial or municipal governments, community organizations or the private sector. Projects must begin and materially conclude construction before March 31, 2011. The maximum federal contribution to any one project under this program will be $1 million.
 
Program and application details may be obtained at www.wd-deo.gc.ca. Project proposals are due by May 29, 2009 and projects needing more time to develop have until June 19, 2009.