Canada 150 funding will improve the Lutsel K'e arena for year-round access.
LUTSEL K'E, NT, Aug. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor announced an investment of $292,875 to the Denesoline Corporation Ltd. to upgrade the community arena with an asphalt surface in Lutsel K'e, Northwest Territories. The funding is provided through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and will have lasting benefits to the community.
Until now, the sandy surface of the arena could only be used during the winter months. By asphalting the arena floor, the community will have year-round access to play sports, participate in leisure activities, and hold cultural events, such as drumming, and arts and craft fairs.
Quotes
"Canada's 150th anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the important places in our communities that bring us together and makes for happy memories. The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program ensures that these places, like the Lutsel K'e arena, continue to be a lasting legacy for families and youth to enjoy."
Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development,
and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
"In remote northern communities, a recreational facility like this arena is especially beneficial to our quality of life and well-being. I'm very happy that the Government of Canada's funding will give youth the opportunity to play sports all year-round."
Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories
"Placing a hard surface in the Lutsel K'e arena has turned it from a winter hockey rink only into a year-round, multi-purpose recreational facility allowing for basketball, soccer, other sports, conventions, seminars, gatherings and so on. A big thank you to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, De Beers Canada, and the staff at Denesoline Corporation for demonstrating how government, industry and Indigenous groups can collaborate successfully to enhance community members' quality of life and wellness."
Ron Barlas
Chief Executive Officer, Denesoline Corporation Ltd.
"De Beers believes that our business can be a catalyst for delivering socio-economic benefits and make a positive difference in the communities where we operate. We are pleased to be able to work in partnership with the community and CanNor to not only improve the quality of life in Lutsel K'e but in developing capacity in the community to manage a large infrastructure development."
Kim Truter
Chief Executive Officer, De Beers Canada
Quick Facts
- In addition to CanNor's investment, De Beers Canada is contributing $100,000 to help upgrade Lutsel K'e's community arena. The total funding amount towards this project is $392,875.
- The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) 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 the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. 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. CIP 150 projects in Canada's North are funded by CanNor.
Associated Links
Canada 150
CanNor launches second phase of Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
Happy Campers: Girl Guides camp gets an upgrade in Northwest Territories
CanNor Lends a Helping Hand to Inuvik Legion Renovations
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, Rebecca McDonald, Communications Advisor, Northwest Territories Region, 867-669-2592; Denesoline Corporation Ltd., Jesse Weng, Project Manager, 867-873-5080; De Beers Canada, Tom Ormsby, Head of External and Corporate Affairs, 403-930-0991 ext. 2703
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