Port Elgin/Clinton, Ontario, May 11, 2009 — Local hockey rinks, arenas, swimming pools, sports fields and other community recreational sites throughout Ontario will be eligible to receive funding for facility upgrades and repairs thanks to the new Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario (RInC Ontario).

Today, MP Ben Lobb and MPP Carol Mitchell were pleased to announce that project applications can now be submitted under the new program. 

“By investing in recreational infrastructure, our government continues to show their commitment to supporting our communities,” said MP Lobb. “Our recreational facilities are vital social and athletic hubs where families, friends and neighbours can come together to get fit and to have fun.” 

“The renewal of recreational infrastructure is critical to preserving and creating jobs today while revitalizing our communities for tomorrow,” said MPP Carol Mitchell. “Investments in recreation build better communities, stronger families and a healthier Ontario.”

In addition to $33 billion the Government of Canada has already committed to infrastructure, Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides almost $12 billion in new stimulus funding over the next two years. This includes $500 million for the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program to support upgrading and renewal of recreational facilities in communities across Canada. The allocation for Ontario for this construction season is $68 million. Funding over the next two years will be allocated based on applications submitted from Ontario communities. Ontario’s 2009 provincial budget – Confronting the Challenge:  Building Our Economic Future – provided $32.5 billon in infrastructure investments over the next two years, including $195 million for recreation infrastructure projects.

The governments of Canada and Ontario can each fund up to one third of a project’s total eligible cost up to a maximum of $1 million each per project, with recipients providing the remaining balance.  

To maximize the number of recipients able to take advantage of the 2009 construction season, projects submitted before 5:00 p.m. EST on May 29, 2009, will be reviewed immediately with approved projects to be announced in June 2009.

Projects that come in after May 29, 2009, will be assessed and those approved will be announced in a timely fashion on an ongoing basis.

For details on project eligibility and how to submit an application, please refer to the program backgrounder and website at www.rinc-on.ca.