Government of Canada Invests in Pitt Meadows Arena

September 09, 2009

PITT MEADOWS, BC – Randy Kamp, Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge—Mission, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today announced $1 million in federal funding to help revitalize the Pitt Meadows Arena. 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 Kamp.  “The Pitt Meadows 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.”

Pitt Meadows Arena renovations include upgrading and replacing the building envelope components, fire and life safety systems, and mechanical and electrical systems, as well as reconfiguring interior spaces and finishes. The project will restore the arena to optimal operating condition, ensuring its long-term sustainability and enhancing the capacity to deliver popular ice and dry floor recreational programming to area residents.

City of Pitt Meadows Mayor MacLean was enthused by the investment. “The next year and a half will see tremendous improvements to our arena. The operators, local community and user groups have put in a lot of effort just to maintain the rinks.  Now we can look forward to welcoming visitors and citizens into a facility that is safe and fully functional-one that as a community we can again be proud of.  This would not have been possible without the commitment of the federal government to improving infrastructure and promoting healthy and active lifestyles for our citizens.”

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.