Richmond Hill - July 5, 2009
BY ADAM MC LEAN, yorkregion.com
Six recreation venues to receive government cash
Oak Ridges-Markham MP Paul Calandra stood before the twin soccer fields at Richmond Green Park on Friday, announcing more than $4.6 million will be kicked about Richmond Hill to refurbish six of the town's recreation venues.
The announcement was the kick-off for the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, which in Richmond Hill will provide funding towards the rehabilitation of the Bond Lake Arena, artificial turf over the Richmond Green and Crosby Park soccer fields, renewal of the Crosby Park tennis courts, replacement of the Dorothy Price Park pathway and play structure plus the Shaun Beggs Park play structure.
Funding is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, whereby the federal and provincial governments have committed more than $380 million over the next two years to jumpstart important recreation projects in the hopes of promoting healthy living and creating jobs throughout the province.
Funding for each project is split evenly among the three levels of government, while the town's share of the bill - $2.3 million - will be paid from the capital asset continuity reserve fund, which was created in 2004 with proceeds following the sale of Richmond Hill Hydro.
Potential projects were submitted by Richmond Hill town staff and council in May, each having to meet strict funding criteria. Each project submitted for grants had to reach construction completion by March 31, 2011, while also meeting other requirements, such as efficiency, accessibility, extending infrastructure lifespan and having a positive impact on community health and safety.
The half dozen sites submitted were all approved for funding; an accomplishment the Conservative MP Mr. Calandra said he and all his political colleagues, including Liberal MPPs Helena Jaczek (Oak Ridges-Markham) and Reza Moridi (Richmond Hill) were very proud to achieve, despite differences in political party.
"Partisan politics was never a factor when working with both Helena and Reza. And town staff put together a first-rate study and application package in such a short period of time, it was very impressive," Mr. Calandra said.
"Communication leading up to the application process was so smooth between all parties - it made my job of pursuing the requested funding that much easier," he added.
The six Richmond Hill projects are split between the two political ridings. Four resting in Richmond Hill and two in Oak-Ridges Markham, with the largest funded project being the Bond Lake Arena rehabilitation receiving more than $2 million in total funding.
Mayor Dave Barrow commented on the need for refurbishing these venues not only for the growing number of residents, but the growing number of young Richmond Hillers.
"That is who this funding is for, right there," Mr. Barrow said pointing to a group of children playing on one of the Richmond Green soccer fields.
"More and more young families are moving to Richmond Hill. Hockey is always popular and soccer is booming. Making those fields artificial turf and fully accessible enhances the opportunity for use and at Crosby it only enhances the fully accessible nature of Crosby Park," he added.
He also noted the structures at Dorothy Price and Shaun Beggs Parks have beeen well used and are in need of repair.
For more information regarding the Recreational Infrastruture Canada program,
visit www.rinc-on.ca
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