MACHIN, ON  ----  February 6, 2009 –--  “For decades, community centres across Canada, and especially here in northwestern Ontario, have been a gathering place for families, friends and neighbours. Our Conservative government is taking action to reinvigorate these vital community landmarks with $500 million in Recreational Infrastructure in Canada (RInC) over the next two years,” said Greg Rickford, MP, Kenora. 

Soccer fields, swimming pools, hockey arenas, tennis and basketball courts, and other recreation centres will all be a part of this exciting and very Canadian program. The RInC program is a way for governments of all levels to deliver a uniquely Canadian experience for our citizens. RInC funding can be combined with money from other levels of government, private investments and local fundraising efforts. “Communities and clubs with potential projects should begin looking at ways that money can be raised to match RInC funding,” noted Rickford.

Under the RInC Program, municipalities, First Nations, community organizations and other not-for-profit entities will be invited to apply for funding. This funding can be used for either the construction of new facilities or the upgrading of existing sites and may cover up to 50 per cent of the total project costs.

In addition to this announcement Rickford was also there to discuss the Conservative Government’s Economic Action Plan and specifically how it relates to municipalities. MP Rickford will be meeting with Mayors and Councillors in the near future to see how the new programs and/or additional funding for existing programs will fit the municipality’s projects. Together they will determine what action steps will need to be taken to move forward as quickly as possible.

Mayors and councillors from several municipalities in the riding were in attendance, including: Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, Ear Falls, Machin, Vermillion Bay, Dryden, Ignace, Pickle Lake, as well as Fort Frances and Rainy River.

Greg Rickford, MP, was on hand at the Annual Conference of the Kenora District Municipal Association (KDMA) in Machin this past Friday. Pictured above in period attire to also celebrate Machin’s 100th birthday are Linda Anderson, Machin Councillor, Greg Rickford, MP, Lionel Cloutier, Ignace,  Mayor, Sue Williams, Sioux Lookout Councillor and Bryan Brown, Machin Town Administrator.