Pickering, ON, July 9, 2009 – Today in Pickering, the Governments of Canada and Ontario announced tri-level funding secured via the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program in Ontario towards two City of Pickering projects whose values total nearly three million dollars.

The Federal Government, Province of Ontario and City of Pickering will provide equal funding towards major facility improvements at Don Beer Arena; and the complete renovation and expansion of the BayRidges Kinsmen Park Fieldhouse.

The Don Beer Arena project is valued at $2,520,000, and will feature numerous upgrades and improvements to the 40-year old facility. Some of these features include a publicly accessible green roof; significant energy saving and sustainable HVAC, lighting and plumbing retrofits; enhanced and expanded change rooms and washrooms; and multiple handicap-accessible upgrades, including the installation of an elevator to improve access to the second floor amenities.

The BayRidges Kinsmen Park Fieldhouse project is worth $300,000, and will go towards overhauling the facility to make it more energy efficient and sustainable. In addition, the new building will be insulated to permit longer seasonal use for the benefit of sports groups, and have enhanced storage capacity for maintenance equipment.

“Our government is pleased to support renovationsand upgrades to local hockey rinks, swimming pools, parks, playgrounds, trails and other community sites under the RInC Program in Ontario,” said Dr. Colin Carrie, MP for Oshawa and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health. “As a result of these investments,residents across Ontario Durham Region will be able tobenefit from improved facilities and servicesin order to continue topursuehealthy and active lifestyles.”

"Don Beer Arena and the Kinsmen Parkare important facilities thatfor yearshave served the City of Pickering well,”said Wayne Arthurs, MPP Pickering-Scarborough East. "And with the Federal and Provincial governmentsboth providing new funding for upgrades, these facilities will continue to provide excellent recreational benefits to thePickering community for many years tocome."

“I applaud the Governments of Canada and Ontario for making these significant investments towards Pickering’s recreational infrastructure. In particular, Don Beer Arena will be more inclusive to reflect the modern needs of our community.” said Mayor Dave Ryan. “Further, I am pleased that these upgrades and enhancements will make both of these facilities much more energy efficient and sustainable. These are significant steps towards our becoming the most sustainable municipality in North America.”

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet and has been recognized by Profit magazine as one of the ten best cities in Canada for growth companies. Pickering’s downtown has been named by the Province of Ontario as an Urban Growth Centre and future Mobility Hub. The City of Pickering is considered a municipal leader in fiscal management, service delivery, sustainability and the environment. In 2008, it received the FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Planning Award. With its direct access to major highways, educated and skilled labour force, prime employment lands, a world class EN3 (energy/environmental/engineering) sector, and supportive municipal government, Pickering offers unrivalled competitive advantages for business.