Posted on 08/14/2009, 10:34 am, by mySteinbach

Grunthal will move forward with a new soccer field and create jobs thanks to funding from the Federal and Provincial governments.

Today, the Honourable Vic Toews, President of Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Provencher, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Erna Braun, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Rossmere on behalf of the Honourable Ron Lemieux Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation and Member of the Legislative Assembly for La Verendrye announced funding for the Grunthal and District Recreation Association.

“I’m pleased to announce our Government’s support for this new soccer field,” said Minister Toews.  “Together, we’re creating jobs, encouraging greater physical activity, and ensuring Manitoba has the infrastructure we need today and in the future.”

“Soccer is a sport that continues to grow in popularity in the Grunthal area, and the investment announced today will ensure it continues down this path,” said MLA Braun.  “Athletes of all ages will see a benefit as they will have access to an improved playing surface with the prospect of attracting new tournaments.”

The total cost of the project is $53,000.  Funding of $17,600 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.  The Province of Manitoba is contributing $1,842.

Under the project, the Grunthal and District Recreation Association will construct a new soccer field to replace the existing field located south of the elementary school.

“With Hanover having one of the youngest populations, according to Stats Canada, it is good to see this kind of investment in our community,” said Stan Toews, Reeve of the Rural Municipality of Hanover. “This will give our residents another form of recreational activity and is exciting for us because soccer is becoming a more popular sport.”

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.

Today’s announcement continues the important steps the Province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.6 billion this year, into infrastructure to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and renew the province’s roads, schools, health facilities, and water treatment facilities.