Federal and Provincial Governments Announce Investment in Recreational Infrastructure in Morden

July 14, 2009

Morden, Manitoba - The Morden Community Centre will move forward with a renovation project thanks to funding from two levels of government.

Today, Candice Hoeppner, Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Manitoba Minister of Infrastructure & Transportation announced joint funding for an initiative that will create jobs for Manitobans.

"I'm pleased to announce our Government's support for the rehabilitation of the Morden Community Centre," said MP Hoeppner. "Investments such as this will help put Canadians to work, encourage greater participation in physical activity and use of recreational facilities, and ensure that communities across the West have access to the essential infrastructure we need today and in the future."

"As a resident of rural Manitoba, I know how important local community centres are to a community at large, and it's so rewarding to see how meaningful these joint investments really are," said Minister Lemieux. "This announcement also means the creation of more jobs, and the sustainability of recreational activity in Morden."

Funding of $894,000 is provided through Western Economic Diversification Canada under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, with the Province of Manitoba and the Town of Morden also contributing to the eligible project costs.

Under the project, the Morden Community Centre will undertake renovations to the West Rink player change rooms and office areas; revisions to the North Lobby and West Rink Interface; installation of a sprinkler system in the arena basement; and construction of a south addition, main entrance and lobby washroom.  This rehabilitation will improve local recreational facilities for the residents of Morden.

"The Town of Morden is thrilled to receive this Recreational Infrastructure Canada grant," said Mayor Doug Wilson. "The Morden Community Centre is a very important facility to the residents and the economic growth of the Town.This funding will make it possible for us to complete Phase Three of the renovations, bringing the facility up to date."

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.  RInC 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.

Today's announcement continues the important steps the Province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.6 billion this year into infrastructure to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and renew the province's roads, schools, health facilities, and water treatment facilities.

For more information, please visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or  "This link leaves our website" Canada's Economic Action Plan.