Released on July 6, 2009
Today the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and His Worship Mayor Robert Speiser, Village of Young celebrated the community launch to upgrade Young's arena.
"Our Government, through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, is taking timely targeted action to help put Canadians to work, encourage greater participation in physical activity and use of recreational facilities," said the Honourable Lynne Yelich. "Upgrades to Young's arena will ensure the community has access to the essential infrastructure we need today and in the future."
"In villages and towns across Saskatchewan, the local arena is an essential part of the community fabric," Municipal Affairs Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "The provincial government has made infrastructure renewal a priority, and we are proud to contribute to the improvements to the Young arena."
Total cost of the arena improvements is estimated at $15,863. Federal funding is provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program. Both the Province of Saskatchewan and the Village of Young will also contribute one third of the project's eligible costs.
Upgrades to the arena include installation of emergency lighting, electrical components, radiant heat, plumbing repairs and a fire suppression system to improve public safety for users and extend the life of the facility. This project will create two short-term jobs.
"Our arena is a vital part of our community," said Mayor Robert Speiser. "Without the help from the Federal and Provincial Governments, we would not be able to begin operations this winter."
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada program is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. RInC 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.
In May, the Government of Saskatchewan announced a commitment to match the federal allocation for Saskatchewan under the RInC program, in order to make it even more accessible for municipalities in the province.
For more information on the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in the West, please visit: http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/11264.asp.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Lisa Hutniak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Email: Lisa.Hutniak@wd-deo.gc.ca
Jeff Welke
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6156
Robert Speiser
Mayor
Village of Young
Phone: 306-259-2144