Government of Canada Invests in Forestburg’s Arena Replacement Project

January 25, 2010

Forestburg, Alberta – The aging Forestburg Arena will be replaced with a new multi-use facility thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Today, Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville – Wainwright, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the project that will enhance recreational infrastructure in Forestburg and provide stimulus to the local economy.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is investing in important infrastructure projects such as this one in Forestburg” said MP Leon Benoit. “By replacing the existing arena with a modern multi-use facility that will remain open year round, this community and the surrounding communities will benefit from increased access to recreational programs in addition to the economic stimulus that the new facility will bring with it.”
Federal funding of $1,000,000 is provided for the upgrades through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. In addition, the Village of Forestburg has contributed $1,305,440 towards the project. The Province of Alberta has also committed $250,000 in funding through the Community Facility Enhancement Program.

“With the construction of the new multi-use facility, Forestburg will have even more to offer its citizens,” said Lindsay Blackett, Alberta’s Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. “The new building will help offer a greater variety of activities, be more efficient to operate, and have a reduced environmental impact. I am pleased that the Government of Alberta is making this contribution to Forestburg’s quality of life.”

The Village of Forestburg will construct a multi-use facility featuring a year-round indoor arena that will replace the existing 54-year-old arena. The new facility will generate year-round revenue and have reduced maintenance and operation costs. The installation of both a new refrigeration system and a low-emissivity ceiling will make the facility more environmentally friendly. The completed facility, which may also serve as the community’s emergency response shelter, will significantly improve recreational services throughout the Forestburg area.

The Community Facilities Enhancement Program reinvests revenues generated from Alberta’s provincial lotteries to empower local citizens and community organizations as they respond to local needs.
“Forestburg prides itself on the number of recreational facilities available to its residents and this completed facility, which may also serve as an emergency response shelter, will significantly improve recreational services for the people of Forestburg and surrounding communities,” said Mayor Bob Coutts.

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. A total of almost $163 million in RinC funding will be invested across the four western provinces. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the program in Western Canada.

Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RinC) program in the West, or Canada’s Economic Action Plan for more information