Grande Pointe is moving forward with renovations to its athletic field thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan, and the Province of Manitoba.

“The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of grassroots activities in enhancing the lives of our youth,” said Premier Greg Selinger. “Almost everyone, from elite athletes to weekend warriors, got their first taste of sport on their local rinks and playgrounds.”

“Investing in the athletic field renovation project will create jobs right here in Grande Pointe, while providing our community with an improved recreational area to enjoy for many years to come,” said the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Provencher on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

This funding will enable Grande Pointe to construct a new, multi-use concrete athletic field surface for skating and basketball. The project also includes landscaping and developing a natural play area and fitness trail.

Funding of $55,918 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Province of Manitoba is contributing $30,000 through the Community Places Program.

"Thanks to the funding from the Federal and Provincial Governments, through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, the community of Grande Pointe has begun construction of a multi-use sports pad, an athletic field and a natural playground for the kids. This funding program, as well as the determination and dedication from our volunteers, has allowed us to take on a project like this. We are proud to say that much of the development will be contracted to local business,” said Lori Brule-Tole, Chairperson, Grande Pointe Park Committee.

The rehabilitation of existing facilities will provide safe and improved recreational facilities and result in a better quality of life for community residents.

The RInC program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. In total, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has approved 718 RInC projects that will use all of the funding available in the West. These projects are helping 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. 

Visit the RInC program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.

For broadcast use

The Government of Canada is investing $55,918 to help Grande Pointe renovate its athletic field. The Province of Manitoba is contributing $30,000 to the project. Minister Vic Toews, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced the federal funding under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program.

For more information, contact:

Gabriela Klimes
Communications, Winnipeg
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 204-983-6243

Charlie McDougall
Cabinet Communications
Province of Manitoba
Telephone: 204-945-1494

Lori Brule-Tole
Chairperson, Grande Pointe Park Committee
Telephone: 204- 253-3656