Government of Canada Invests in Trails on Mount Cheam

Dec-8-09

Ottawa– Chuck Strahl, Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced today federal funding to strengthen economic opportunities for Popkum Indian Band. Funding for this investment is being provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The Government of Canada will provide the Popkum Indian Band with funding of $104,796 towards the cost of repairing and improving existing trails on Mount Cheam, and creating new trails connecting the Cheam Trail system with the Chipmunk Creek Trail system.

“As part of our Economic Action Plan this funding will help create local jobs as we emerge from this global economic recession.” Strahl added, “The trails are an important community asset that encourages local residents to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of our province”.

Project funding will employ trail builders to upgrade the existing trail network and construct an information kiosk, water supply and toilets. Chain link fencing and a lockable gate will be added so that the trails can be safely closed when undergoing maintenance.

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.

RInC is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada’s multi-faceted stimulus plan that will ensure a quick recovery from the current economic downturn. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the initiative in the four western provinces.

For information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca