Iqaluit, Nunavut –The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), announced today that people in Taloyoak, Chesterfield Inlet, Igloolik and Sanikiluaq will benefit from $1.1 million in total funding for local projects, under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program.

“Investments in recreational facilities in the North are an investment in the health and well-being of Canadians, especially the children. These facilities are at the heart of community life, not only serving as places to play but also as communal gathering spaces,” said Minister Strahl, who is also Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. “Our government and the Government of Nunavut are working together to meet the needs of Nunavut communities, stimulating the economy and creating jobs at the local level.”

Canada and Nunavut worked together closely to identify the four projects for funding under the RInC program, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Federal investments of $567,000 will be equally matched by the Government of Nunavut and are conditional on the signing of an acceptable contribution agreement.

Investments include up to $100,000 for renovations to the Taloyoak community pool; up to $150,000 for renovations to the Chesterfield Inlet complex gym; and up to $200,000 and $117,000, respectively, for new cement pads for the Igloolik and Sanikiluaq arenas.

“Recreation activities are a vital component of community life in the North,” stated Minister Lorne Kusugak, Minister for Community and Government Services. “This funding will repair various facilities in our communities to ensure the pools and gymnasiums can be utilized by the families and the children of these hamlets for future years.”

The RInC program, one of the programs delivered by CanNor was designed to support improvements and repairs to community recreation facilities, including new construction that either adds to or replaces existing recreational infrastructure.

CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering federal economic development activities at the regional level in the North, as well as policy, research and advocacy. Promoting social and economic development in the North is one of the four pillars of the Government of Canada’s integrated Northern Strategy.

Canada’s 2009 Economic Action Plan is accelerating and expanding the existing federal investment of $33 billion in infrastructure across Canada with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over the next two years.

Today Minister Strahl also announced funding for additional economic development projects in the North for Yukon and Northwest Territories.


Backgrounder - Four RInC Investments in Nunavut

In the North, Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) is administered by the newly-created Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). Funding of $1.7 million was allocated across the three territories for RInC projects.

Four Nunavut communities will receive $567,000 in RInC funding to support facility improvements. Proposals were solicited through an open call for applications which closed on June 15, 2009.


Chesterfield Inlet - Renovations to Community Complex Gym
Project total: $300,000
($150,000 contributed each by the governments of Canada and Nunavut)

Chesterfield Inlet’s community gym was built in the 1980s and has fallen into disrepair in recent years. The community gym functions as a multi-purpose gathering place for the community, as well as a recreational space for youth and elders for square dances, floor hockey, basketball, volleyball and Inuit games.

The funding provided through RInC will support renovations to the complex to encourage the ongoing use of the gym by the people of Chesterfield Inlet.


Taloyoak Pool Renovation
Project total: $200,000
($100,000 contributed each by the governments of Canada and Nunavut)

Taloyoak’s community indoor pool was built more than 20 years ago and requires repairs to continue to operate. The funding provided through RInC will be used to install a new pool liner and repair the wooden deck that surrounds the pool. These upgrades will help ensure Taloyoak residents can use the pool throughout the year for swimming lessons, competitions and other community events. It will also encourage healthy and active lifestyles.


Igloolik and Sanikiluaq Arenas - Cement Pads
Project totals: $400,000 and $234,000, respectively
($200,000 and $117,000 contributed each by the governments of Canada and Nunavut, respectively)

The local arenas are important community gathering spaces for the communities of Igloolik and Sanikiluaq. Funding provided through RInC will be used to install cement pads in the existing arenas. These upgrades will help maintain the ice for longer periods of time and provide a better surface for off-season recreational activities.


Supporting Infrastructure, Supporting Canada’s Economy

Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) is a national program that provides economic stimulus of $500 million until March 31, 2011. The program shares the cost of repairing, upgrading or expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities. RInC is delivered by CanNor in the three northern territories, and by the other federal economic development agencies in the provinces.
The RInC program supports “shovel-ready” improvement and repair projects for community recreation facilities while stimulating the economy and creating jobs at the local level.