GOVERNMENT OF CANADA COMMITS TO INVEST IN SPLASH PAD FOR PERTH-ANDOVER YOUTH

August 18, 2009

PERTH-ANDOVER (NB) – August 18, 2009 – Perth-Andover youth received good news today as the Government of Canada announced a commitment to invest more than $87,000 towards the Perth-Andover Splash Pad Park under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The recreational facility project was announced today by Mike Allen, MP for Tobique-Mactaquac, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). 

“Our government understands that investments in recreational infrastructure helps to build strong, healthy communities and strong communities mean a strong nation,” said MP Allen. “This splash pad project will create important economic activity during its construction phases, and add to the vibrancy and quality of life that the Village of Perth-Andover offers to citizens of all ages.”

The Perth-Andover Splash Pad project will involve converting the existing outdoor wading pool into a splash pad park, which will serve youth and families in the Perth-Andover area. RInC funding of $87,054 will support project costs including those associated with the conversion of the pool as well as the replacement of the filtration and heating systems. The Village of Perth-Andover is contributing $172,686 towards the project. Total project costs are estimated at $259,740.

“Converting the wading pool on School Street to a splash pad park will result in a fun-filled attraction that the families of Perth-Andover can enjoy with their children,” said his Worship Rick Bealieu, Mayor of Perth-Andover. “We welcome the support of the federal government in helping us put in place infrastructure that will encourage healthy, outdoor activity and promote community togetherness well into the future.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided $500 million over two years for the RInC program to support upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities. Under the program, the federal government will typically fund up to 33 per cent of eligible costs. The remaining funding will be leveraged from other project stakeholders such as provincial, territorial, municipal and other partners. The federal contribution to any project receiving funding under the program will not exceed $1 million.