Government of Canada Funds Major Upgrade of Callingwood Park in Edmonton

December 22, 2009

Edmonton, AB – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Spruce Grove, and Minister Responsible for Northern Alberta, today announced federal funding for upgrades to the outdoor recreational facilities at Callingwood Park in Edmonton. Funding for the Callingwood Park Project is being provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major national job creation initiative under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“The Recreational Infrastructure Canada program is sustaining and creating jobs for Canadians and stimulating economic activity in communities across the country during the global recession,” said Minister Ambrose. “These upgrades in Callingwood Park will create local jobs and opportunities for Edmonton businesses during the recession, and the result will be improved sports and fitness facilities that will provide long-term health and social benefits for Edmontonians.”

Through a partnership with the City of Edmonton and the Wedgewood Ravine Community League, the Government of Canada is providing $468,000 for a major upgrade of the Callingwood Park outdoor recreational facilities. The upgrades will include a new children’s spray park, repairs to the sports fields, and installation of an irrigation system.

"Recreation facilities are the backbone of our communities,” said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. "The West Edmonton Spray Park and sports field improvements will offer improved recreational opportunities for citizens of all ages to enjoy. The City of Edmonton is pleased to contribute $1 million to this worthwhile project. The park theme of 'River Life' will link the new spray park to our identity as a river city. Our quality of life is enhanced by our city's connection to the outstanding natural beauty at its heart."

“Today we are excited to move ahead with this much needed amenity at Callingwood District Park and Water Spray Park, said Wedgewood Ravine Community League President Judy Dickout. “We are proud to sponsor this exciting and needed play opportunity in West Edmonton, and we thank the Federal Government through the Recreation Infrastructure Canada Program for their generous commitment."

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. Over $160 million in RinC funding will be invested across the four western provinces.

RInC is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada’s multi-faceted stimulus plan to help Canadians weather the global economic downturn and lay the groundwork for future growth and prosperity. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the initiative in the four western provinces.

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