November 07, 2009
Government of Canada Invests in Key Langley Township Recreational Centres
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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. Funding for these investments 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 Willoughby Community Park and the Fort Langley Canoe Club will help the government stimulate the economy, enhance services and the lives of local families, and contribute to the health and quality of life of all Langley residents.”
“It is encouraging to be a part of such a vibrant community, and this project will work to improve the lives of our young people by providing greater access to healthy activity.” Said Senator Gerry St. Germain.
The Township of Langley’s first priority funding request under Western Economic Diversification is the Willoughby Community Park upgrades. It will design and construct a lighted synthetic turf field for baseball, soccer and lacrosse use, complementing two existing artificial turf fields at the park. There are many contributors to this major three million dollar project, including $1,720,000 from the Township of Langley, $1,000,000 in federal RInC funding, and $600,000 from Langley United Youth Soccer Association, Langley Girls Soccer Association/Langley FC, and Langley Minor Lacrosse Association/Field.
The Fort Langley Canoe Club has also received $28,930 from the RInC program, and a $7,500 municipal grant to relocate and rehabilitate the Bedford Dock at Fort Langley. The Fort Langley Canoe Club is also contributing $61,986.
“The wellbeing of our residents – and our local economy – is greatly valued in our community, and the Township of Langley appreciates that the Federal Government has provided us with this funding,” said Mayor Rick Green. “The enhancements to these recreation facilities will be well used by our residents, and give them the opportunity to keep active and enjoy all the benefits of sports and the outdoors.”
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. A total of almost $163 million in RinC funding will be invested across the four western provinces.
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
