Canada’s Economic Action Plan Invests in Recreational Infrastructure

(Newmarket-Aurora, Ontario, February 9, 2009) – Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown  stopped by the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex Sunday 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 recreational infrastructure such as community hockey arenas, swimming pools, sport fields and recreation centres. Newmarket Mayor Tony Van Bynen, Aurora Mayor Phyllis Morris, Aurora Councillors Alison Collins-Mrakas and Al Wilson along with several players from the Newmarket Hurricanes Junior A Hockey Club were on hand to hear the good news.

“Hockey is in our nation’s blood and nowhere do we see that more than here in Newmarket-Aurora.  Recreation centres and sport facilities play an important role in our towns. 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 Ms. Brown.

“Investing in our sports and recreation infrastructure such as hockey arenas and soccer fields will create jobs and put money into our local businesses. Facilities like these promote healthy living opportunities, allow our children to learn about the importance of competitiveness and fair play and provide meeting places for the entire community,” said Ms. Brown. “I look forward to working with both Newmarket and Aurora in the weeks ahead so we may take full advantage of the new RInC program.”

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 will be invited to apply for funding in the next few weeks through an application process.  RInC funding can be combined with money from provincial governments, municipal capital budgets, investments from businesses and local fundraising activities. 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. 

Click here to view more photos from this announcement.