Western Economic Diversification Canada : Harper Government Strengthening Community Infrastructure Across the Country

Across the country, community centres, cultural centres, hockey rinks, swimming pools, and other community projects will soon be improved thanks to support from the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

As part of the Government's Economic Action Plan 2012, Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for upgrades to Arborfield's curling rink and Pasquia Regional Park's swimming pool change house under the Fund.

"Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our communities across Canada," said MP Hoback. "By making these investments in local infrastructure, we are helping boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians."

The Harper Government's investment of $5,384 will allow the Town of Arborfield to repair the roof at its curling rink and install insulation, which will reduce water damage at the facility and increase energy efficiency.

"The Arborfield curling rink is well-used by people of all ages in our community," said Arborfield Curling Club President Terry Cragg. "These renovations will make the rink a more enjoyable facility for our members and visitors, give it a longer lifespan, and reduce operating costs."

With federal funding of $7,904, Pasquia Regional Park Authority will renovate the swimming pool change house in the park, which is located northeast of Arborfield. Changes will include upgrades to the plumbing, cement flooring and sidewalks, the replacement of doors and fans, and renovations to the staff, change and pump rooms. These improvements will help the facility meet health code requirements, as well as increase the facility's safety and energy efficiency.

"We take great pride in keeping our park neat and tidy, and keeping all our buildings in a good state," said General Manager, Susan Schroepfer. "We built a new swimming pool five years ago and attached it to our existing pool house. The building needed a lot of upgrading and removal of black mold. With the assistance of this funding we were able to make many improvements. Our health inspector was very pleased with them. On behalf of the Park Board, I would like to thank Randy Hoback and the federal government for this assistance."

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

For more information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Allan Frisky
Town Administrator
Arborfield, Saskatchewan
Telephone: [phone]

Susan Schroepfer
General Manager
Pasquia Regional Park
Telephone: [phone]

WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Subscribe to our news updates and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD. Follow us on Twitter at @WD_Canada