Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Invest in Grand Coulee’s Recreational Infrastructure

November 09, 2009

Grand Coulee, Saskatchewan – Grand Coulee is replacing their multi-purpose recreational facility thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Today, Tom Lukiwski, Member of Parliament for Regina– Lumsden–Lake Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Laura Ross, MLA for Regina Qu'Appelle Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs, announced funding that will create jobs for the community.

“I’m pleased to announce our Government’s support for the replacement of the multipurpose recreational facility in Grand Coulee,” said MP Lukiwski.  “This investment will create immediate jobs, while providing a facility that will serve and strengthen our community for many years to come”

Funding of $500,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Province of Saskatchewan is providing $750,000 and the Village of Grand Coulee is funding the balance for a total estimated project cost of $2.5 million.

The project is replacing the community recreation centre and curling rink with a new multi-use recreational facility. Having a functional recreation facility will enhance the health and wellbeing of the community as a whole.

“As many Saskatchewan communities are growing, there is a need for infrastructure investment that contributes to the health and well being of Saskatchewan people,” said Ross. “With this funding, the recreational needs of Grand Coulee and area will be met and will continue to move Saskatchewan forward.”
 
"I am very pleased with the approval of the first step in developing a comprehensive recreational and educational complex for the Village of Grand Coulee." said Mayor Irvin Brunas.  "This complex will enable the community to form more organized sport teams as well as encourage more youth and adults to get physically active and lead healthier lifestyles.  This development would not have been possible without the financial support of the federal and provincial governments".

Activities to be undertaken include replacing the demolished hall and curling rink with a multi-use recreational facility. The project will provide a facility that can be used year-round and will be a focal point of the community by offering increased recreational opportunities that are not presently offered due to the current state of the facilities.

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program is investing $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It is providing a temporary economic stimulus that is reducing the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.  A total of almost $163 million in RInC funding will be invested across the four western provinces.
 
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.