Vancouver Parks Score Big Thanks to Government of Canada Investments

July 7, 2010 - The City of Vancouver will undertake local park improvements thanks to $2 million in Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program funding, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

"Investing in Vancouver’s sports fields and parks will put British Columbians to work, encourage greater participation in physical activity and ensure that our communities have access to the essential infrastructure we need today and in the future," said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, as she and members of the local Boys and Girls Club gathered today to celebrate the start of construction at East Vancouver’s Fraserview Park.

With an investment of $1 million, the City of Vancouver's Board of Parks and Recreation will upgrade the Jericho Beach Park and Memorial South Park sports fields. New artificial turf will improve field use while conserving water and reducing gasoline powered maintenance.

A second investment of $1 million will renovate Grandview Park, Fraserview Park and Norquay Park. Funding will install water pumps, water filtering systems, new playground equipment and pedestrian paths, with designs based on public feedback.

"Federal stimulus funding is allowing the Vancouver Park Board to accelerate its renewal plans and upgrade aging parks sooner than expected," said Park Board Chair Aaron Jasper. "It is partnerships like this, in addition to long-term planning, that will ensure residents’ continued enjoyment of City parks for decades to come."

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.

Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.

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Media contacts:
Jerra Byrne, Senior Special Assistant - Communications,
Office of the Minister of State - Western Economic Diversification, 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Joyce Courtney, Vancouver Park Board Communications Manager, 604-257-8699

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.