Kelowna, British Columbia – The City of Kelowna will move forward with improvements to four major recreational facilities in the Kelowna region thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Today, Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the Rutland Arena, Elks Stadium, Apple Bowl Stadium and Kings Stadium that will create jobs in the Kelowna region.

“Our Government is taking action to create jobs and build stronger communities,” said MP Cannan. “Upgrades to these four facilities will ensure Kelowna has access to the essential infrastructure we need today, and in the future.”

Funding of $1,000,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Facility upgrades will include: roof and floor repairs to Rutland Arena; replacement of the lighting system and grandstand at Elks Stadium; reconstruction of long jump runways at Apple Bowl Stadium, and replacement of the bleachers at Kings Stadium.

“Providing a strong recreation infrastructure is essential to a vibrant, healthy and active community,” says Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. “The funding from RInC will help us improve our arenas and stadiums for our residents and community partners.”

The four facilities are used for a variety of recreational activities, including: hockey, figure skating, lacrosse, baseball, softball, track and field and football. These facilities are home to a number of Kelowna’s sports teams, including the Kelowna Falcons and Okanagan Sun.

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will 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 Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West,  or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.