Government of Canada invests stimulus funds in Queen’s County recreational projects

February 24, 2010

Liverpool, NS –Two Queen’s County recreational facilities will receive significant upgrades, thanks to funding support provided by Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under the Government of Canada’s  Economic Action Plan.

Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced a combined investment of $20,078 in support of the Liverpool Curling Club and the Greenfield Recreation Centre.

“Our support of these two projects will benefit the residents of Queens County by enhancing recreational space that has something to offer people of all ages and activity levels,” said MP Keddy.  “By investing in the renewal of recreational facilities through the federal Economic Action Plan we are contributing to local economic activity, supporting jobs and ensuring residents have access valuable community infrastructure for years to come.”
                                                                                                            
The Liverpool Curling Club has received $9,800 to complete a series of repairs and upgrades including the installation of a new main door to welcome athletes and spectators alike; replacement of 150 feet of window sills; the installation of new insulation and vinyl siding to increase the energy efficiency of the facility, and the purchase of new heaters for the ice shed.

“The Club was built 75 years ago and was long overdue for repairs,” said Greg Thorbourne, President of the Liverpool Curling Club.  “Because of the work of our many partners and volunteers, the Club has received the attention it deserves and we can continue providing the same quality programming for years to come.”

The improvements to Greenfield Recreation Centre are being supported by a federal contribution of just over $10,200.  The improvements include repairs to its roof, corner boards, gymnasium floor and siding; the installation of a new security system and an overhaul of the Centre’s softball field. 

Federal funding for both projects is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure program, a key economic stimulus initiative under the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“This facility truly is the result of the hard work and dedication of the entire community,” said David Bolivar of the Greenfield Recreation Centre.  “It is exciting to see this project come together and recognize the benefits it will have for the social and physical health of all who call this area home.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan is providing $500 million over two years for the RInC program, to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities across Canada, and to encourage increased participation in physical activity and community building. RInC projects are selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness, and must be completed before March 31, 2011. The RInC program is delivered in Atlantic Canada by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.


FOR BROADCAST USE:

MP Gerald Keddy, on behalf of ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield, today announced an investment of more than $20,000 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program to support upgrades and repairs to the Liverpool Curling Club and the Greenfield Recreation Centre in Queens County. MP Keddy said that the funds will contribute to local economic activity, support jobs, and contribute to the community’s health and well being.