Federal and Provincial Governments Invest in Selkirk’s Recreational Infrastructure

September 01, 2009

Selkirk will construct a new skate park thanks to 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 Selkirk Skate Park, which will create jobs for the community. 

“Our Government, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is taking immediate action to reduce the effects of the economic slowdown,” said MP Bezan.  “ I am proud that with this support, we are not only creating new healthy opportunities for our youth, we are also helping to stimulate the local economy."

“This skate park will be such a positive addition for the community of Selkirk, and the true winners will be our youth,” said MLA Dewar.  “This investment is a great way to enhance physical activity in a way that appeals to our youth.”

The total cost of the project is $752,968. Federal funding of $245,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Province of Manitoba is providing $85,000. The City of Selkirk is contributing $310,000 toward the project.

Funding will support construction of an 18,000 square foot concrete skate park designed for skateboards, BMX bikes and inline skating.

"We are very pleased to see this level of support from the Federal and Provincial Governments showing their commitment to our community through this project," said David Bell, Mayor of the City of Selkirk.

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.