July 2, 2009 -- Local families will benefit from joint federal and provincial investments totaling almost $10.5 million under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario (RInC Ontario) and Recreation Ontario (Ontario REC).

David Sweet, M.P. for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale and Sophia Aggelonitis, M.P.P. for Hamilton Mountain were pleased to announce that 12 projects in the Hamilton area will receive funding under these programs, including:

• Expansions at the Flamborough Family YMCA: $ 1,176,666
• Carlisle Arena retrofit: $ 1,100,000  
• Community Soccer Project at Ancaster's Redeemer University College: $ 599,974
• Chedoke Twin Pad Floor Replacement: $ 1,100,000
• YWCA Hamilton Fitness and Aquatics refurbishment and accessibility project: $209,404
• City of Hamilton's Rosedale Arena retrofit: $1,100,000
• Hamilton Region Conservation Authority( HRCA) Fifty Point Conservation Area Campground project: $389,500
• Sklodowska Community Recreation Centre upgrades: $ 680,400
• Turner Park Sports Field lighting and washroom facility: $ 1,100,000
• Inch Park Arena retrofit: $ 1,100,000
• Inch Park Pool retrofit: $ 1,333,334
• HRCA's East Mountain trail and public washroom project: $ 609,680

The federal and Ontario governments have contributed equal amounts towards each project.

"Today's announcement is another example of how the economic stimulus package is having a direct impact right here in Flamborough and across the greater Hamilton area -- creating construction activity while investing in projects with a long-term benefit for our community," said MP Sweet. "These facilities do more than help us maintain healthy, active lifestyles. They're social hubs for our community. That's why we're so pleased to invest in them today." 

"I am thrilled that both governments have invested significantly in Hamilton's recreation infrastructure," said Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain. "This funding will establish safe and accessible community hubs for Hamiltonians, while creating several jobs in our city."

The Hon. Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale also added, "This joint funding will allow our community to update and improve many well utilized recreation facilities. Today's investment will provide the upgrades and expansions needed to meet the demands on recreation facilities."

As one of the recipients of the recreation infrastructure investments announced today, Jim Commerford, President & CEO of the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford welcomed the good news. "The YMCA is thrilled to have the generous support of the provincial and federal governments. This funding will allow the YMCA to expand innovative community-based programs, such as providing a safe and friendly environment for youth, or assisting even more children and families to adopt healthier lifestyles," said Commerford.

These projects are among 758 projects announced on June 26 by Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky, on behalf of George Smitherman, Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, worth a total joint federal and provincial investment of more than $380 Million

These programs were designed to provide a timely, targeted stimulus to the economy through investments that will spur construction activity related to existing recreational infrastructure. Beyond economic stimulus and job creation, renewing, rehabilitating and modernizing our recreational infrastructure has the additional benefit of encouraging higher levels of participation in physical activity and community building.

Projects were selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness. 

A list of approved projects will be available on July 6, 2009, at www.rinc-on.ca.