One of the benefits of living in Centretown is the availability to access an incredible network of recreation facilities, parks and pathways. Ottawa is certainly one of the most active communities in Canada – you only need to take a stroll along the canal to see the dozens of people who are jogging, biking or roller-blading through our beautiful city.

Our government recently made an important announcement to help encourage an active lifestyle by improving the recreation facilities across our city. On June 26 we joined our federal counterparts in announcing a $24-million investment in the federal Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario and provincial Recreation Ontario.

Through this investment, we are able to support projects to upgrade, expand and improve recreation facilities such as community centres, soccer fields, baseball diamonds and pools across the city.

This is an important investment in the health of our community. The injection of $24 million into the municipal spaces, community facilities and sports organizations of our city means not only that more Ottawans are able to participate in sport and recreation, but that our teams and clubs are able to train and compete in top-notch sports centres.

Through this recreation fund, the City of Ottawa received over $14.8 million to support municipal projects that will improve our sports facilities and increase the accessibility of our community spaces for all residents. These projects include upgrading the Hintonburg Community Centre, replacing the McKellar Park Community Building, and redeveloping the Parkdale field house and park.

We are also supporting important community organizations and sports clubs in Ottawa. Through this investment, the Rideau Canoe Club is receiving $1.8 million to expand and upgrade their facilities, and the YMCA/YWCA is receiving $6 million to improve their facilities and expand their programming at three locations throughout Ottawa. There are also investments in upgrades at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility to improve the track and field facilities, renovations to improve the ice conditions at the Rideau Curling Club, and an expansion of the RA Centre.

Not only will these projects encourage sport and recreation, but they will also provide stimulus to the local economy. Expansions and renovations mean investments that will spur construction activity and create jobs in our community. A win-win investment for everyone!

I look forward to seeing the new and improved recreation facilities over the next few months. In the meantime, I hope that you take the opportunity to enjoy the facilities already available. I encourage you to bike down our wonderful bike paths, play basketball at your local community centre, canoe down the river, or perhaps just stroll through the park. However you chose to be active, I hope you take the time to enjoy all that our community has to offer!