Government of Canada Invests in Key Recreational Centres in the City of Merritt

September 19, 2009

Mayor Susan Roline of Merritt and Minister Day

MERRITT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Hon. Stockwell Day, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla and Minister of International Trade, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced today federal funding to strengthen economic opportunities in Merritt. 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, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is taking steps to reduce the effects of the economic slowdown,” said Stockwell Day. “The Memorial Arena is an important part of our community. It brings us together as families, friends and neighbours to learn new skills, exchange ideas, get fit and healthy, and have fun.”

The Nicola Valley Memorial Arena will upgrade its compressor unit to conserve energy and the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, Merritt Civic Centre and Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre will install low flow toilets and sinks to reduce water consumption.  The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with the City of Merritt on funding these projects with a contribution of $33,667.00.

“This grant funding from the RInC program will bring our City's recreation facilities high on the LEED rating,” said Mayor Susan Roline. “With these funds available to replace an aged Compressor at the Arena and to replace washroom units in all of our recreation facilities to the modern flow type it will reduce our energy and water consumption greatly.”

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.