Federal and Provincial governments invest in NACKAWIC ARENA UPGRADES

August 19, 2009

Residents of Nackawic will benefit from joint federal and provincial investments. Tobique Mactaquac MP Mike Allen, together with the Honourable Greg Byrne, New Brunswick Minister of Finance, announced today a combined investment of more than $135,000 for upgrades to the Nackawic arena through the RInC program.  The federal and provincial governments also announced they will each invest nearly $14,000 for computer software that will assist Nackawic in planning for future water infrastructure improvements through the Building Canada Fund program.  This funding will help stimulate the economy, enhance local services, and contribute to the health and quality of life of the families in this region. The picture shows from left to right, Tobique Mactaquac MP Mike Allen, Nackawic Mayor Rowena Simpson, the Honourable Greg Byrne, New Brunswick Minister of Finance and MLA for York North, Kirk MacDonald.

NACKAWIC (nb) – August 19, 2009 – Residents of Nackawic received good news today, as the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick announced a combined investment of more than $135,000 for upgrades to the Nackawic Arena.

Tobique Mactaquac MP Mike Allen, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), together with the Honourable Greg Byrne, New Brunswick Minister of Finance and Nackawic Mayor Rowena Simpson were on hand to make the funding announcement today.

Federal funding of $69,167 is thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, while the Province of New Brunwick is investing $66,667. The Town of Nackawic is investing $66,666 to complete the project.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the need within many Canadian communities to provide better recreational facilities,” said MP Allen. “Through ACOA, our investment in the Town of Nackawic will help stimulate the economy, enhance local services, and contribute to the health and quality of life of the families in this region.”

“Projects like this not only create jobs, they better our communities,” Byrne said.   “With these facilities, residents can enjoy better health and better qualities of life.”

The project will allow the Town of Nackawic to upgrade and repair its arena, by replacing the roof, upgrading the lighting and installing a new ceiling over the ice surface, and installing a new heat recovery system.  The project also includes the installation of a Zamboni lift gate. 

“On behalf of Council and the Town of Nackawic, I am very pleased that Nackawic was chosed to receive funding under the Recreational Infrastructure Program (RInC),” said Nackawic Mayor Rowena Simpson. “Without the Federal and Provincial Government’s financial assistance, the Town would not be able to complete these importants upgrades to the Nackawic Arena, such as a new steel roof and lift gate system.”

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, and to encourage increased participation in physical activity and community building. The initial allocation under RInC for Atlantic Canada is $12 million and is delivered in the region by ACOA.

Municipalities, First Nations governments, community organizations and other not-for-profit entities in Atlantic Canada that have eligible projects that can be completed before March 31, 2011, are invited to submit their proposals.

For details on project eligibility and how to submit an application, please refer to the program backgrounder on ACOA’s website at www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.

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