As announced on January 27, 2009 as part of the government’s Economic Action Plan, the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program is providing $500 million across the country to help renovate and update recreational facilities across Canada. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2011.
Many of these facilities – including hockey arenas, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts and swimming pools – were built in 1967 to help mark Canada’s Centennial, and are now in need of upgrading.
Through RInC, the Government of Canada has committed over the next two years, to support upgrades and repairs of existing recreational facilities, including new construction that adds to or replaces existing recreational infrastructure asset or capacity.
RInC will provide a local economic stimulus targeted at the construction industry. And through the rehabilitation of recreational infrastructure, this program will contribute to a higher quality of recreational facilities that will encourage increased participation in physical activity and community life.
The initial RInC allocation for Atlantic Canada, to be delivered by ACOA, is $12 million, with the remaining funding over the next two years to be based on applications submitted to the Agency. Projects will be selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, will provide one third of the total eligible project costs, with a maximum ‘per project’ contribution of $1 million. The proponent is expected to source the balance of the funding.