Increasing the availability of recreational activities in Arviat

CIP 150 funding to support expansion of Arviat Sports Park

IQALUIT, NU, July 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor announced a contribution of $500,000 from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) for renovations to the Arviat Sports Park in the Hamlet of Arviat, Nunavut.

This community infrastructure renovation will expand the Arviat Sports Park by 25%, providing Arviat youth and other residents with improved recreational opportunities in a safe environment. The expansion includes the addition of a ball hockey rink, basketball court, additional seating, playground equipment, a site office, and change rooms. These renovations will maintain the Park as a quality sports and community events facility and will increase the variety of activities available to the community.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is pleased to announce its support for improvements to the Arviat Sports Park. Investments in community infrastructure support local economic growth, strengthen communities, and celebrate Canada's rich heritage and history as we approach the 150^th anniversary of Confederation."

Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

"We know now, more than ever, the positive impact physical activity has on our daily lives. These upgrades will enable people of all ages within the community to take part in active lifestyles through fun sport and recreational activities. Upgrading valuable pieces of community infrastructure like the Arviat Sports Park supports healthy living in the community and benefits the quality of life for Nunavummiut.

Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"As one of the largest and fastest growing communities in Nunavut, the Hamlet of Arviat is working hard to develop new facilities and infrastructure for Arviammiut. Our population is overwhelmingly young and active, and improved sports facilities are greatly appreciated by the community. We have seen the positive results that sport and recreation activities can have among our youth, and our expanded Sports Park will greatly increase the range and amount of activities that are available for our community."

Bob Leonard
Mayor of the Hamlet of Arviat

Quick Facts  

• Community projects such as these benefit from the contributions of multiple funding partners. The Arviat Sports Park also received $842,000 from the Hamlet of Arviat and $150,000 from Sports Nunavut, for a project total of $1,492,000.
• As outlined in Budget 2016, an additional $150 million will be provided over two years for CIP 150, bringing the total funding available to $300 million across the country. The program supports projects to renovate, expand, and improve spaces such as community centres, parks and arenas across Canada as part of the Government of Canada's celebration of our country's 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. CIP 150 continues to be delivered by CanNor in the North.

Associated Links  

CanNor launches second phase of Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

Office of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, 343-291-2500; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Craig Welsh, Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region, 867-975-3722; Hamlet of Arviat, Bob Leonard, Mayor, 867-857-2841