December 17, 2009

Langley, BC – Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament for Langley, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced today federal funding to strengthen economic opportunities in Langley City. 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.

“Our Government’s investment in the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program is creating jobs for Canadians, while encouraging greater participation in physical education and the use of recreational facilities,” said Warawa. “Investing in Al Anderson Memorial Pool will help the government stimulate the economy, enhance services and the lives of local families, and contribute to their health and quality of life.”

The Government of Canada is contributing $578,474 to the $1.75 million project. The City of Langley is contributing 1,174, 479. 

The renovations to the pool building will include the addition of a family change room, providing better accessibility to patrons, as well as a multi-purpose room making year round programming a possibilty.  “The Al Anderson Memorial Pool is an important part of our community. It brings us together as families, friends and neighbours to learn new skills, get fit and healthy, and have fun,” says Warawa.

“We here in the City of Langley are very fortunate to have received strong support from the Federal Government for a number of projects that will benefit all our citizens,” says City of Langley Mayor Peter Fassbender.  “This RInC funding for Al Anderson Pool expansion and renovation will be a tremendous help in our being able to move the project forward this year.  We want to thank our MP Mark Warawa and his staff for their efforts in getting our application in on time and more importantly in securing the funds,” Fassbender adds.

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (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.