Western Economic Diversification Canada : Harper Government invests in sport and community facilities

January 20, 2014 at 12:26 am IST

MarketScreener.com By

Volunteer efforts and financial resources result in strong, liveable communities

Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal support for five local infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan. With the federal investment of over $116,400 through the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), residents from Dysart, Kelliher, McLean, Pilot Butte and Southey will see significant renovations to existing facilities that improve safety, functionality and energy efficiency.

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund.

The Fund supports projects that improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

Quick Facts

Pilot Butte has been working very hard to upgrade its rodeo grounds, community hall and recreation centre. The rodeo grounds were upgraded to include new bleachers and a concession stand.
Improvements to Kelliher's Lioness Park would not have been feasible without CIIF funding.
Upgrades and repairs to Dysart's rink through the CIIF program will keep the facility open for future generations.

Quotes

"Our Government is pleased to support communities across this country. These Saskatchewan infrastructure projects benefit families and communities, help to support local job creation and boost economic activity, while creating safe and accessible community facilities for years to come."

- Michelle Rempel, Minister of State, Western Economic Diversification

"The Town of Pilot Butte and the Pilot Butte Rodeo Committee appreciate the funding from the Government of Canada for the upgrades to our rodeo grounds. The major improvements to the bleachers will allow us to host more events for years to come; but more importantly, the upgrades will ensure the safety of all who attend our functions."

- Reed Peddie, Recreation Director, Town of Pilot Butte

"Thanks to the Government of Canada funding for the Lioness Park washroom upgrades, patrons - young and old - will be better able to enjoy the park. These upgrades make the washrooms more accessible to larger gatherings and functions held at the park and result in improved energy efficiency and decreased operating costs."

- Darcy King, Mayor, Village of Kelliher

"Dysart Community Rink is a valuable facility in our Village and surrounding community that provides a space for both children and adults to exercise, socialize and volunteer in the winter months. It has also served as a gathering place for numerous community events such as homecomings, fundraisers and many other functions. The Government of Canada funding allowed our community to upgrade and operate this facility to provide these community services and we are truly grateful for it."

- Tomas Arthur, President, Dysart Community Rink Board

"Shared funding for needed infrastructure projects is a welcome and vital process between the various levels of government with direct benefits at the local level. The citizens of Southey and surrounding area will be well served by the improvements made as a result of this funding arrangement."

- Leigh Bishop, Mayor, Town of Southey

"With funding from the Village of McLean's Recreation Association and the Government of Canada, we were able to perform a much needed upgrade to our sports grounds, which included two of the three ball diamonds getting a major rebuild. We've already been told that our diamonds are now top of the line. We can once again rent the grounds for baseball tournaments, and bring youth ball back to the community. There is even talk of hosting more adult tournaments in addition to the one on our annual sports day."

- Sherry Langston, President, McLean Recreation Board