John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced federal funding to strengthen economic opportunities in the Campbell River area and make important investments in several Campbell River parks. Funding for this investment is being provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job creating investment from Canada's Economic Action Plan.
"The improvements to local playgrounds and ball diamonds being announced today will provide jobs as well as help people of all ages maintain healthy, active lifestyles," said Duncan. "The federal government is proud to work with the City of Campbell River to improve the quality of life for the people of the local community."
The overall cost of this investment will be $460,000. The RInC program will provide $230,000 with the City of Campbell River providing the rest of the funding. These funds will be used to undertake improvements to replace playground equipment and improve ball diamonds in local parks.
"The playground replacement program and ball diamond improvements are part of the long-range capital plan through the Parks Strategic Plan and City funding is in place through the Parks Parcel Tax," said Campbell River Mayor Charlie Cornfield. "The City is pleased to have been able to maximize senior government funding opportunities to improve recreation infrastructure in Campbell River while minimizing the cost to local taxpayers."
The funds will be used:
These projects are expected to be completed by March 31, 2010.
"These additions and upgrades to our recreation infrastructure will provide improved play and sport environments for our youth and active adults, as well as increase the economic impact of sport tourism. There is a broad return on these investments that benefits our whole community," said Mayor Cornfield.
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.
RInC is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada's multi-faceted stimulus plan that will ensure a quick recovery from the current economic downturn. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the initiative in the four western provinces.
For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.