June 26, 2009
DEVOLIN ANNOUNCES $206,000 FOR THE S.G
NESBITT MEMORIAL ARENA
MINDEN: Local MP Barry Devolin and MPP Rick Johnson today announced a joint
federal and provincial investment of $412,000 to upgrade the S.G Nesbitt
Memorial Arena in Minden under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in
Ontario (RInC Ontario) and Recreation Ontario (Ontario REC).
The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), on
behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and the Honourable
Leona Dombrowsky, Ontario’s Minister of
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable George
Smitherman, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, announced tod ay
the governments will spend more than $380 million towards 758 projects, fully
subscribing the program just one month after it was launched.
These programs were designed to provide a timely, targeted stimulus to the
economy through investments that will spur construction activity related to
existing recreational infrastructure. Beyond economic stimulus and job creation,
renewing, rehabilitating and modernizing our recreational infrastructure has the
additional benefit of encouraging higher levels of participation in physical
activity and community building.
“The money will be used to upgrade the arena’s ice plant, public address
system as well as modernize some electrical work and washrooms,” said Devolin.
“.In the end, these improvements will make the building more environmentally
friendly while ensuring that future skaters and hockey players of the
Minden-area will continue to benefit from this facility."
“This funding is great news for our community” said Johnson. “Recreation
facilities are more than bricks and mortar. They are community hubs where people
of all ages can become engaged in their community, explore their leadership
potential and maybe even discover an athletic talent.”
“Improving our soccer pitches, hockey rinks, baseball fields, community
centres, swimming pools and local parks are all projects that not only bring
together our communities, but also create jobs and boost local economies,”
said Minister Goodyear. “Thanks to these investments, municipalities,
not-for-profits and First Nations will be able to offer improved services for
their residents to encourage active, healthy lifestyles.”
“Recreational facilities are a vital part of Ontario’s fabric, and enrich
our lives and our children’s lives in many ways,” said Minister Dombrowsky.
“Our government is committed to supporting these public spaces so that they
may be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Projects were selected on the basis of construction readiness and community
merit.
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For more information contact:
Barry Devolin, MP
(705) 324-2400 or (866) 688-9881