GOVERNMENTS ACT TO RENEW RECREATIONAL CENTRES

May 11, 2009

Brockville - May 11, 2009 — Local hockey rinks, arenas, swimming pools, sports fields and other community recreational sites throughout Ontario will be eligible to receive funding for facility upgrades and repairs thanks to the new Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario (RInC Ontario).

Today, MP Gord Brown and MPP Bob Runciman were pleased to announce that project applications can now be submitted under the new program. 

“By investing in recreational infrastructure, our government continues to show their commitment to supporting our communities,” said MP Brown. “Our recreational facilities are vital social and athletic hubs where families, friends and neighbours can come together to get fit and to have fun.” 

The 2009 Federal Budget – Canada’s Economic Action Plan – provided $500 million over two years for the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program to support upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities. The federal allocation for Ontario for this construction season is $68 million, which is being matched by the Government of Ontario. Projects will be selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness.

The governments of Canada and Ontario can each fund up to one third of a project’s total eligible cost up to a maximum of $1 million each per project, with recipients providing the remaining balance.  

“The renewal of recreational infrastructure is critical to preserving and creating jobs today while revitalizing our communities for tomorrow,” said MPP Runciman. “Investments in recreation build better communities, stronger families and a healthier Ontario.”

To maximize the number of recipients able to take advantage of the 2009 construction season, projects submitted before 5:00 p.m. EST on May 29, 2009, will be reviewed immediately with approved projects to be announced in June 2009.

Projects that come in after May 29, 2009, will be assessed and those approved will be announced in a timely fashion on an ongoing basis.

For details on project eligibility and how to submit an application, please refer to the program backgrounder and website at www.rinc-on.ca.