Canada's Economic Action Plan Invests in Hockey Arenas and Community Recreation Centres

Barrie, Ontario, February 9, 2009-MP Patrick Brown was on hand at Eastview Arena today to announce the Conservative Government's Recreation Infrastructure in Canada (RInC) program. To build jobs and stimulate local businesses in communities across Canada, the RInC program will invest $500 million in building and renewing community hockey arenas, swimming pools and recreations centres.

"Hockey is in our nation's blood and nowhere do we see that more than here in Barrie. Recreation centres and arenas play an important role in our towns and cities. They are places where we come together as communities to cheer on our teams and to spend time with our neighbours. They promote our well being and help us teach our children healthy lifestyles," said MP Brown.

Many of Canada's community recreation centres were built to commemorate Canada's centennial anniversary in 1967. After more than 40 years, as well as countless hockey games and community events, many of these buildings need extensive repairs. Barrie can expect to receive in the range of 1.5 million dollars on RINC program.

Councillor Lynn Strachan and Councillor Michael Prowse are taking the lead in preparing a joint City and Federal government program for consideration by council.

"We hope to use these funds to initiate upgrades to Eastview arena and to create an artificial ice rink complex in Barrie at a location designated by the City.   Currently, the only artificial ice rink in Barrie is the circle at the center at City Hall.  I believe that a joint hockey and pleasure skating facility would be widely used in Barrie. Investing in our rec centres and hockey arenas will create jobs and put money into our local businesses right away. Facilities like these will help us to teach our children about the importance of competitiveness and fair play for years to come," said MP Brown.

The Conservative government has allocated $500 million for eligible projects in the next two years, which may include hockey arenas, swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields and recreation centres. Under the RInC Program, municipalities, First Nations, counties, community organizations and other not-for-profit entities will be invited to apply for renewal funding.  This funding may be dedicated to either the construction of new recreation facilities or the upgrading of existing sites and will cover up to 50 per cent of the total project costs. 

For More Information call: 705-726-5959