Rob with MLA Bev Harrison, Principal Bob Monroe, Blaine Higgs and local youth

Government of Canada Helps Local Community Complete Sports Field

MAY 7, 2010 - Quispamsis, NB - Kennebecasis Valley (KV) Fields Committee Inc. and School District 6 today welcomed the federal funding that will allow them to complete the sports fields at KV High School. Saint John MP Rodney Weston, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, announced an investment of $250,000 toward this initiative. The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism and the MP for Fundy Royal, also attended.

"The Government of Canada understands that investments in recreational infrastructure help build strong, healthy and vibrant communities," said MP Weston. "Our additional investment of $250,000 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will help in the completion of sports fields and add to quality of life for local residents, while generating additional local economic activity and ensure local residents continue to have access to valuable community infrastructure for years to come."

In total, the Government of Canada has contributed $500,000 towards this two million dollar project.

"The initial contribution of $250,000 by ACOA was critical to the project moving forward," said Robert Munro Chair of the KV Fields committee Inc. "This second announcement of an equal amount has enabled us to finish the end zones with artificial turf. This is a very important announcement that insures the construction of a complete and first class facility that will be an asset to the school and the community. The contributions by ACOA are most appreciated."

The additional contribution will allow the community to install artificial turf in the end zones as well as refurbish the grass field adjacent to the turf field and install bleachers and benches. The original investment has helped School District 6 and the KV Fields Committee Inc. to replace the sod on an existing sports field with improved multi-purpose artificial turf surface and to install much needed lighting to extend the length of play.

Canada's Economic Action Plan is providing $500 million over two years for the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities across the country. RInC is delivered in Atlantic Canada by ACOA. Projects are selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness, and must be completed before March 31, 2011.

For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca


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For further information, please contact:

Catherine Godbout
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-996-2316