A budget for building in sport and recreation

Hi all,

Pick up the shovel, everybody.

The 2009 Federal Budget takes direct aim at the long standing infrastructure deficit in sport and recreation with a new, dedicated, $500 million fund, to be expended in the next 2 years, to renew and build facilities in our communities.

With specific references to the 1967 Centennial year building boom, the budget highlights in detail the need for “hockey arenas, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, and swimming pools” as examples for upgrading, renewal and building through this nationally delivered initiative.

The program will be a 50/50 matching initiative through regional development agencies (i.e. ACOA in Atlantic Canada) whereby provinces and municipalities, community sport organizations, and the private sector may all apply for matching funds where shovel ready projects exist.

3 big goals drive the new fund- economic stimulus, quality facilities, and national spirit- and the allocation will be based on merit and readiness accordingly.

Much more to come re: Aboriginal health initiatives, opportunities for youth employment in sport organizations, and even more infrastructure opportunities.

All for now and cheers to all for our successful collaboration on the sport and recreation infrastructure file.

Ian