GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, ONTARIO TEAM UP TO IMPROVE
OTTAWA’S RECREATION FACILITIES

Orleans, Ontario, June 26, 2009 — Ottawa families will benefit from over $24-million in joint federal and provincial funding to improve community recreational infrastructure, announced today under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario (RInC Ontario) and Recreation Ontario (Ontario REC).

These projects will provide stimulus to the local economy through investments that will spur construction activity related to recreational infrastructure. Improving recreational facilities and services will also encourage higher levels of participation in physical activity and community building. 

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government came up with this RInC program that will benefit our children, families, and communities while creating jobs and stimulating our local economy,” said John Baird, Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister and the Member of Parliament for Ottawa West—Nepean. “This is a great day for the residents of Ottawa. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier community.”

“Recreation is the best way for us to stay fit and healthy and investing in infrastructure is a great way to grow our economy and create jobs” said Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and MPP for Ottawa West – Nepean.

“This announcement demonstrates our Government’s commitment not just to the economy, but to families, communities and to the future,” said Royal Galipeau, the Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Orleans. “These projects will show what governments can do when they work cooperatively together. I am extremely pleased that our riding has received significant allotments for important projects that will have positive impacts for years to come.”

“This is great news for Orleans and for Ottawa. I am proud to represent the McGuinty Government, which continues to invest in the infrastructure needs that Ontario families rely on” said Phil McNeely MPP for Ottawa-Orleans.

Recipient	Project Title	Federal Share	Provincial Share
City of Ottawa	Various -- See Backgrounder	$ 7,423,166	$ 7,423, 166
Ottawa Internationals Soccer Club Inc	Franco Cite Sports Field	$ 666,667	$ 666,667
Ottawa Internationals Soccer Club Inc	Hillcrest Sports Complex	$ 966,667	$ 966,667
Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club	Terry Fox: Track and Field Redevelopment Project	$ 766,667	$ 766,667
Rideau Curling Club	Rehabilitation of Curling Rink	$ 185,000	$ 185,000
YMCA-YWCA	Orleans YMCA Facility	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
YMCA-YWCA	Bonnenfant Outdoor Education Centre	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
YMCA-YWCA	Metro Central Facility	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Recreation Association of the Public Service of Canada	East Wing Rehabilitation Project	$   666,666	$  666,666
Total Federal / Provincial Funding		$ 13,674,833	$ 13,674,833

These projects are 30 of 758 projects announced today by Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky, on behalf of George Smitherman, Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, worth a total joint federal and provincial investment of more than $380 million.

Approved projects were selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness. 

A list of approved projects will be available on July 6, 2009, at www.rinc-on.ca.

LEARN MORE

Get more information about recreational infrastructure funding in Ontario.

Learn how the Government of Canada is investing in infrastructure.

Learn how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province.

For more information, please contact:

Chris Day Press Secretary Office of Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister John Baird (613) 991-0700

Adam De Caire Office of Minister Watson (613) 721-8075