Federal and Provincial Governments Invest in Garson’s Recreational Infrastructure

August 31, 2009

Garson will move forward with upgrading its arena thanks to the funding from two levels of government. 

Today, James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification; and Greg Dewar, member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly for Selkirk on behalf of the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation; announced funding for the Garson Arena, which will create jobs for the community. 

“I’m pleased to announce our Government’s support for the Garson Arena upgrades,” said MP Bezan.  “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is creating immediate jobs and building stronger, healthier communities.”

“This investment is another example of our government’s commitment to sustaining rural recreational infrastructure for many years to come,” said MLA Dewar.  “This enhancement to the Garson arena will help cut operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.”

"The Garson Arena project is very important for the Rural Municipality of Brokenhead. The upgrade of the ice plant and heating system to a Geothermal Heat Recovery System, not only gives this municipality and surrounding area a recreation facility that will encourage sport and fitness year-round, but reflects the dedication of this community to protect the environment by eliminating 18,000 tons of green house gas emissions over the next 20 years," said Reeve Glen Dudeck. "The Municipality would like to extend its gratitude to the federal and provincial governments for their support of this project."

The total cost of the project is $192,632. Federal funding of $63,308 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan with the Province providing $30,000. The Rural Municipality of Brokenhead is contributing $99,324 towards the project. This funding will go toward upgrading the Arena’s heating system to a closed-loop geothermal system and adding in-floor heating to the stands. 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.

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.