Project part of Kelowna’s Community Parks and Open Space Network

Kelowna, British Columbia – An official ceremony was held today at Gerstmar Park, one of seven new community parks constructed during the past year in Kelowna. The celebration of the seven new parks was attended by Ron Cannan, MP for Kelowna-Lake Country, Steve Thomson, MLA for Kelowna-Mission, Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country and City of Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd.

“I’m delighted the Government of Canada has contributed to the revitalization of Kelowna’s parks through the Community Parks and Open Space Network,” said MP Cannan, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “These projects are prime examples of our government’s commitment to strong, prosperous communities and to stimulating economic growth. These new community parks will have a positive impact on the region now and for future generations.”

“One of the best ways to enhance the amount of green space in the community is to develop parks in different areas. This project will provide new recreation and leisure opportunities to neighbourhoods that families will enjoy,” said MLA Thomson.

“This project is a great example of cooperation between three levels of government – each contributing $1,047,000 towards revitalizing parks,” said MLA Letnick.

“We were challenged to keep pace with development during the peak years in adding parks in neighbourhoods,” said Mayor Shepherd. “This funding allowed us to build a record number of parks throughout our city as part of our ongoing commitment to promote a healthy, active community.”

The governments of Canada, B.C. and Kelowna each contributed $1,047,000 toward the city’s community parks and open space network under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF). Thanks to this funding, construction in Mugford Park, Gerstmar Park, Birkdale Park, Powerline Park and three neighbourhood parks in Wilden are now complete.

The Regional District of the Central Okanagan also contributed $30,000 toward the construction of Gerstmar Park, located adjacent to the Mission Creek Greenway.

The design of Gerstmar Park is based on sustainability principles: in addition to traditional lawn and trees, this park has a naturalized landscape that provides habitat value, reduces maintenance effort and conserves water. Amenities for the community-level parks include pathways, playgrounds, site furnishings, an open turf area, native tree and creek enhancements, a parking lot, washroom facilities, and a tennis court.

Federal funding for this project comes from the Government of Canada’s $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which is supporting more than 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country. Since March 2009, more than 440 projects – most of which are either complete or nearing completion – have received a total federal investment of over $505 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across British Columbia.

Since October 2008, over $5.6 billion has been committed by the province to over 900 infrastructure projects in British Columbia, which are estimated to create more than 36,000 jobs over the life of the projects.

For more information about the City of Kelowna’s community parks visit kelowna.ca/parks.

For further information on the Government of Canada's infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.  To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.