Government of Canada Invests in Key Penticton Recreational Centre

September 19, 2009

Penticton, British Columbia – 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 Penticton. 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 Stockwell Day. “Investing in the Adidas Sportsplex 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 Canadians.”

A two-storey clubhouse will be added to the Adidas Sportsplex, a multi-purpose physical recreational facility in Penticton. The expansion will provide washrooms, change rooms, public viewing area, and office and equipment storage space.  The federal government is pleased to be partnering with the City of Penticton and is contributing $293,000.00 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program.

“We are thrilled with this funding announcement and the continued support that it brings to creating healthy lifestyles for Penticton youth.  We look forward to the opportunity to partner on this project that benefits all citizens of Penticton.  The addition of this two-storey clubhouse, and its amenities, is significant to expanding the always popular sport of soccer in the South Okanagan region” says Mayor Dan Ashton.    

“We appreciate the Federal Government and the City of Penticton for recognizing the positive and long lasting benefits of this project to the community,” said SOYSA’s President Tony Patrocinio. “The new addition to the Adidas Sportsplex will benefit Citizens of all ages.”

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.