Neighbourhoods citywide will receive over $24-million in joint federal and provincial funding to improve community recreational infrastructure under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario and Recreation Ontario.
In the east end, more than $6.6 million is being made available by both levels of government for nine projects. Other projects include a new community centre in Carlsbad Springs, an addition to the Ogilvie Road Splash Wave Pool, an expansion of the Hornet’s Nest and pathway lighting across Orléans.
At the announcement, which took place in the gymnasium at the Orléans Y on Centrum Boulevard, Acting Mayor Michel Bellemare indicated the city will match contributions made by higher levels of government.
“It’s a great investment in our community,” he said, adding the funding will go a long way in ensuring Ottawa is a healthy and active city.
Many of the projects will be matched by municipal funds so they’ll be complete by the March 2011 deadline, added Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean.
Ottawa-Orléans MPP Phil McNeely indicated the local YMCA-YWCA will be able to provide additional programming for 24,000 people next summer, up from the 11,000 they can currently serve.
“The east-end’s done well,” Watson said of the funding announcement, adding every part of the city will benefit.
The west-end MPP, meanwhile, went on to say obesity and physical inactivity are problems in Canada, noting children spend more time playing on Playstations than play grounds. This inactivity, Watson continued, is leading to an increase in diabetes, various forms of cancer, stress and stroke.
With improved recreation opportunities, the hope is residents will be enticed off their couches, he indicated.
Orléans YMCA-YWCA -- $2 million Carlsbad Springs Community Centre -- $2 million Splash Wave Pool addition -- $2 million Hornet’s Nest Fieldhouse expansion – $466,666 Gardenway waterplay area -- $69,000 North Vineyard waterplay area -- $69,000 Apollo Crater Pathway lighting -- $50,000 Bearbrook Pathway lighting -- $50,000 Joshua Bradley Pathway lighting -- $20,000
