Cramahe gets RInC grants

In a June 26 press conference at the Northumberland County building in Cobourg, Northumberland-Quinte West MPP, Lou Rinaldi, and his federal counterpart, Rick Norlock announced grants to the county worth $2,479,408 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario (RInC Ontario) and Recreation Ontario (Ontario REC).

The elected officials stated in the press release, "These projects will provide stimulus to the local economy through investments that will spur construction activity related to recreational infrastructure. Improving recreational facilities and services will also encourage higher levels of participation in physical activity and community building."

In his statement, Mr. Norlock commented, "In (federal) budget 2009, the federal government recognized the need to assist municipalities and non-profit organizations in providing much needed funds for recreational infrastructure, which is why we created this program.

With the partnership of the province of Ontario, recreation facilities such as arenas, ball diamonds, tennis courts and skateboard parks will now be improved, which will ensure further use for years to come. This initiative will no doubt see participation and exercise thrive, which in turn promotes wellness and may help alleviate any future burden on our health care system."

“These funds represent stimulus monies being distributed across the riding,” said Lou Rinaldi, M.P.P for Northumberland-Quinte West. “The successful projects benefit a wide range of projects in our communities, which enhances our quality of life.”

Hamilton Township was the big winner in the grant announcement, picking up over $1.3 million for Baltimore arena refurbishment and improvements to the Vincent Massey Memorial Centre.

Cramahe Township collected about $113,000 which is slated to repair its derelict tennis court on Earl Street, improve the basketball/road hockey court on Victoria Street and add a playground for the kids in east Colborne.

The neighbouring municipalities of Brighton, Trent Hills and Alnwick/Haldimand did not receive any grant money.

The Northumberland-Quinte West projects are ten of 758 projects announced by Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky, on behalf of George Smitherman, Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, worth a total joint federal and provincial investment of more than $380 million.

Approved projects were selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness.

A list of approved projects will be available on July 6, 2009, at http://www.rinc-on.ca/.