Local communities to receive funding for recreational upgrades
June 26, 2009

 

Joe Preston~ MP, Tom Marks~ Deputy Mayor Municipality of Central Elgin, Steve Peters~ MPP, Lynn Acre~ Mayor Municipality of Bayham, Dave Warden~ Alderman City of St. Thomas, Bob Habkirk~ Mayor Town of Aylmer, Bonnie Vowel~ Mayor Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich, Katie Payler~ YMCA, Jonathon Wolf~ Councilor Municipality of West Elgin

10 projects totaling almost $5.5 million approved for Elgin-St. Thomas area

ST. THOMAS – Eight communities have something to ‘play’ about after learning they will receive federal and provincial funding for recreational infrastructure projects.

Ten projects in the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London will benefit from joint federal and provincial funding under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario (RInC Ontario) and Recreation Ontario (Ontario REC) programs.

These projects will provide stimulus to the local economy through investments that will spur construction activity related to recreational infrastructure. Improving recreational facilities and services will also encourage higher levels of participation in physical activity and community building. 

“Infrastructure just doesn’t mean roads, bridges, water lines and sewers, it also involves what we do for fun and exercise,” Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Joe Preston said. “The federal government knows this and I am happy that our local communities can improve recreational opportunities through this joint funding announcement.”

“This funding will help to build healthier and stronger communities by bringing residents together, whether as participants or spectators in the activities these improved facilities will host,” Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Steve Peters said. “Residents from every corner of our riding will benefit from these projects and the combined commitment of the federal and provincial governments and our local partners.”

 RecipientProject Title
Fed/Prov Investment (each), (up to $)
 Town of Aylmer Steen Park 18-Hole Disc Golf Course
 $50,000
 Municipality of Bayham Straffordville Ballpark Playground
 $50,000
 Municipality of Bayham Port Burwell Ballpark Playground
 $20,000
 Municipality of Central Elgin Port Stanley Arena Rehabilitation
 $460,000
 Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich Recreation Facility Improvement
 $240,239
 Municipality of West ElginWest Elgin Recreation Trail
 $25,000
 City of St. Thomas
 Memorial Arena Renewal Program $175,000
 City of St. Thomas
 Waterworks Park Wading Pool Replacement
 $91,667
 Aylmer Curling Club
 Facilities Improvement Project
 $50,000
 Family YMCA of St. Thomas-Elgin
 Pool Renewal and Facility Expansion
 $700,000

These projects are among a total of 758 announced today by the federal and provincial governments worth a total joint federal and provincial investment of more than $380 million.

Approved projects were selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness. 

A list of approved projects will be available on July 6, 2009, at www.rinc-on.ca.