Government of Canada commits to invest stimulus funds in Stanley’s upper Nashwaak Agrena

September 24, 2009

STANLEY (NB) – The Upper Nashwaak Agrena Association is planning to renovate its facilities thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program, a key economic stimulus initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), today announced a commitment to invest $72,500 to help the Upper Nashwaak Agrena Association complete the upgrades.

“Our government’s economic action plan is taking fast action to help reduce the effect of the global economic slowdown,” said MP Allen. “This investment will help stimulate the economy, enhance local services, and contribute to the health and quality of life of the families in this region.” 

The upgrades to the agrena include installing dehumidifiers, improving water drainage, and repairing the roof. Modifications are also planned for the public washrooms to ensure their accessibility. Funding for the project, under RInC, is conditional upon the Upper Nashwaak Agrena Association securing the remaining two thirds of the funding from other sources.

“We are very grateful for this funding commitment to help with the agrena upgrades as the facility is very important to our community and badly in need of renovation,” said Roxanne Young, Director of the Upper Nashwaak Agrena. “Not only will facilities be improved, the upgrades will also allow the Stanley Minor Hockey teams access to ice time a month earlier than previously, something that hockey players in bigger centers already enjoy.”

Canada's Economic Action Plan is providing $500 million over two years for the RInC program to support the upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities across the country. RInC is delivered in Atlantic Canada by ACOA.  Under RInC, the Government of Canada funds up to 33 per cent of eligible costs. The remaining funding is leveraged from other project stakeholders including provincial, territorial, municipal and other partners. The federal contribution to any project receiving funding under the program is not to exceed $1 million. Projects are selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness, and must be completed before March 31, 2011.

For details on RInC 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.

Ce communiqué est aussi disponible en français.


FOR BROADCAST USE:

Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac, on behalf of ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield today announced a commitment to invest $72,500 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program for improvements to the Upper Nashwaak Agrena in Stanley. MP Allen said the funds will help stimulate the economy, enhance local services, and contribute to the health and quality of life of the families in the region. 

A total of $500 million over two years has been set aside through RInC to support upgrades and repairs to recreational facilities in communities throughout Canada. ACOA delivers RInC in Atlantic Canada. The fund, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is helping mitigate the impacts of the global economic recession by increasing construction activity in the recreational sector.