Government investment of nearly $100,000 in Lyster’s sports facilities

January 20, 2010

Canada-Quebec Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program Agreement

Lyster, Quebec – Lyster’s multisport field will soon be receiving significant upgrades, today jointly announced the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources and Laurent Lessard, Quebec Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, acting on behalf of Michelle Courchesne, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports.

The project is to be carried out with $99,900 in government assistance. The governments of Quebec and Canada will each contribute $49,950, and the Municipality of Lyster will invest the remaining $212,054 in the work. The project involves the construction of a service building adjacent to the existing multifunctional field and a children’s play area.

“Many of our recreational facilities have become outdated and are in need of renovation. However, in a recessionary period like the one we are experiencing, it is difficult for most municipalities to assume the costs of such projects. That is why our government introduced the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program, through which $500 million will be invested over two years in the modernization of sports and recreational facilities across the country. I am delighted to see this project move forward because I know it will significantly improve the quality of life of Lyster’s residents,” noted Christian Paradis.

“Investing in sports and recreational infrastructure is a great way to encourage the development and maintenance of a physically-active lifestyle. The funding announced today reflects the Government of Quebec deep commitment to improving the public’s health and well-being. I am convinced that the new multisport field facilities will make a real difference in the quality of life for Lyster’s residents for years to come,” explained Minister Lessard.

The governments of Canada and Quebec signed an agreement to accelerate the execution of recreational infrastructure modernization and rehabilitation 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 an equivalent 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 Government of Quebec’s Fonds pour le développement du sport et de l’activité physique and through the Government of Canada’s Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program.