Smithers and Telkwa are receiving a combined total of $923,928 for two recreation projects that will help encourage physical activity and promote healthy lifestyles, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Smithers is receiving $650,000 to develop an arena adjacent to the existing 52-year old Civic Centre Arena located at the Heritage Park. The project includes construction of an NHL-sized ice surface with netting, boards, glass, bench areas, penalty boxes, timekeeper boxes and an ice resurfacing room.

The arena will also contain change rooms, public washrooms, a referee room, figure skating room, storage area and 350-person spectator area.

The Province is providing the community of Telkwa with $273,928 toward the construction of a community field on the existing Telkwa barbecue grounds. The field will promote the re-establishment of sports teams, allowing youth and adult teams to practise and compete locally.

Under the $30-million Community Recreation Program, the Province is funding up to 80 per cent of eligible costs for 98 projects that will enhance recreation infrastructure provincewide. Projects include trails, bike paths, walkways, playgrounds and other indoor or outdoor recreation centres.

The total value of approved projects is more than $70 million, which will create an estimated 458 direct jobs and 251 indirect jobs.

Quote:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"Amenities like arenas and sports fields are often the hub of smaller communities, encouraging locals to get out and get fit, and providing opportunities for visiting teams to come to the community for games. These projects will have broad-reaching benefits for Smithers and Telkwa for years to come."

Learn More:

For more information on the Community Recreation Program, go to: http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/infra/infrastructure_grants/community_recreation_program.htm

Learn more about the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association at: http://www.bcrpa.bc.ca/

Contact:

Gillian Rhodes
Communications Manager
Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462