Stony Plain, Alberta – On Saturday, June 13th, 2009 the Town of Stony Plain hosted a ceremonial ground breaking to launch the upgrading of Heritage Park. Mayor Ken Lemke and members of town Council welcomed the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Spruce Grove and the Honourable Fred Lindsay, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security to the celebration.

The Stony Plain Heritage Park project represents fruition of the vision for a regional event centre initiated by the Stony Plain and District Exhibition Society. An extensive public consultation process that included input from the current user groups helped to formulate the concept plan that was submitted to the Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CAMRIF). The Town was successful in securing funding for the upgrades to the Park in 2008.

“This project would not be possible without the funding support the Town is receiving from both the Federal and Provincial government’s CAMRIF program. We are very pleased that both Minister Ambrose and Minister Lindsay will be able to join us to celebrate the start of the project,” says Mayor Lemke.

“Our Government is proud to support projects like the Stony Plain Heritage Park expansion and renewal,” says Minister Ambrose.  “This investment will help stimulate the economy and create a stronger, healthier community.”

The event will take place at Stony Plain Heritage Park (4202 – 50th Street) beginning at 10:00am. Minister Ambrose and Minister Lindsay, along with Mayor Lemke will share some special words to commemorate the event. Duncan Schoepp will be the Master of Ceremonies. Refreshments will be available.

“This is a significant project for our community. By this time next year there will be changes to the Toby Kaziel Pavilion, pathways lined with trees, picnic tables and new parking lot. We encourage all residents to join us as we mark this historic occasion,” says Mayor Lemke.

For more information on the Stony Plain Heritage Park construction project visit www.stonyplain.com.