Cambridge, Ontario — Cambridge will benefit from a joint federal and provincial investment of $110,000 to improve the Lions Can Amera Mini Field announced today by Cambridge-North Dumfries Member of Parliament, the Hon. Gary Goodyear and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre, the Hon. John Milloy. This funding comes under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario (RInC Ontario) and Recreation Ontario (Ontario REC).

“Recreational facilities are essential social and athletic hubs in our communities. They bring us together as families, friends and neighbours to have fun and to stay active,” said Minister Goodyear. “By investing in these types of projects, our government is investing in the health and well-being of residents in Cambridge, creating local construction jobs and encouraging economic activity."

“Participation in sport, physical activity and recreation provide so many benefits – to our physical, economic and social well-being,” said John Milloy, MPP for Kitchener Centre. “Today’s announcement, and others recently made to support our Region’s recreational infrastructure, will help to build a healthier and stronger community by bringing residents together, whether as participants or as spectators.”
 
This project is one of 758 first announced on June 26 by Minister Goodyear and Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky, worth a total joint federal and provincial investment of more than $380 million. It will provide stimulus to the local economy through investments that will spur construction activity related to recreational infrastructure. Improving recreational facilities and services will also encourage higher levels of participation in physical activity and community building.

Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig says the support is very timely and builds on the strategic initiatives for recreational enhancements in the community. “This investment improves the quality of the fields and extends their live expectancy.  It ensures that families will have an opportunity to continue to come together to enjoy sport.” The design process kicks off immediately with the work to be completed in the fall.  Elements of the project include stripping existing sod and adding top soil, improve drainage and enhancing the overall usability of the three mini fields.

Projects were selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness. 

A list of approved projects were available on July 6, 2009, at www.rinc-on.ca.