Edmonton, Alberta – Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre & Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced today federal funding to strengthen economic opportunities in Edmonton, Alberta. 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.
“This critical investment will help put Canadians to work, encourage greater participation in physical activity and use of recreational facilities, and ensure that communities across Canada have access to the essential infrastructure we need today and in the future,” said Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre. “Our Government, through the RInC program, is providing a timely, targeted stimulus to the economy and helping reduce the impacts of the global recession.”
The Elmwood Community League was awarded $294,667 to redevelop the John Devoldere Memorial Park. This funding will help towards various project activities which include deconstruction and replacement of a skating rink, converting a wading pool into a spray deck, redevelopment of a playground, parking lot repairs and landscaping
“Elmwood Community League would like to thank Western Economic Diversification and Laurie Hawn for their approval and support of our RInC application. Our community is thrilled with the generosity that the federal government has shown us. Without this much needed support, our project in its entirety would not have been possible. These funds will enable our community to replace a dated park which no longer meets current safety regulations; retrofit a wading pool with a hygienic modern spray deck as well as removing and re-building decrepit tennis courts and outdoor skating rink.” says Nicole Akhemak, President of the Elmwood Community League. “The youth of our community will have a safe, new and vibrant play space, as well; other generations will have an enjoyable space to enjoy with family, friends and neighbours. This project will help rejuvenate our neighbourhood and help rekindle community spirit and pride!”
The 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.