Investment of more than $1.8 million in Black Lake for repair and renovation of arena

December 18, 2009

Canada-Quebec Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program Agreement

Thetford Mines, Quebec – Black Lake arena will soon undergo major renovations, today announced the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and Member of Parliament for Mégantic-L’Érable, and Laurent Lessard, Quebec’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region and Member of the National Assembly for Frontenac, acting on behalf of Michelle Courchesne, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports.

This project, which will require a total investment of $1,855,060, will be carried out in partnership with the City of Thetford Mines and benefit from $927,530 in combined government funding contributed in equal part by the governments of Quebec and Canada. The work will mainly involve the renovation of the arena’s exterior, roof and main entranceway and the addition of three new locker rooms.

“Many of our recreational facilities are outdated and in need of renovation. But in times of economic downturn, it is difficult to take on the heavy expenses of restoring public infrastructure. That is why the Government of Canada has decided to lend its financial support to this project, an initiative that attests to the efforts deployed by local stakeholders to improve the quality of life of Black Lake residents. This assistance is granted under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program, a funding instrument through which our government has committed to investing $500 million over two years in the modernization of sports and recreational facilities across the country,” explained Minister Paradis.

“I am proud that our governments are joining forces with the City of Thetford Mines to bring this important project to fruition. Built in 1973, Black Lake arena is about to get a major rejuvenation treatment! As well as considerably improving the quality and usability of this infrastructure, this work will generate major advantages in terms of energy efficiency. Citizens of all ages will thus have access to a modern and attractive facility in which to practice their favourite sport, be it hockey, ringette or skating. It is an excellent way to encourage the public to adopt and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle,” stated Minister Lessard.

We are extremely proud of this agreement with the federal and provincial governments and especially happy to be able to provide the population with quality sports infrastructure. This major work we are about to carry out in the City of Thetford Mines will not only help improve the efficiency of this facility, it will also make our arena more userfriendly,” noted Thetford Mines Mayor Luc Berthold.

The governments of Canada and Quebec signed an agreement to accelerate the execution of recreational infrastructure projects in Quebec over the next two years. To that end, the Government of Canada will invest $37.4 million and the Government of Quebec at least that amount in recreational infrastructure projects carried out in cost-sharing partnership with municipal administrations or local organizations. These investments are thus expected to generate greater financial leverage, as is the case with the other infrastructure programs.

The funding announced today has been awarded through the Programme de soutien aux installations sportives et récréatives of the Fonds pour le développement du sport et de l’activité physique and through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program.