Backgrounder - Four RInC Investments in Nunavut

In the North, Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) is administered by the newly-created Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). Funding of $1.7 million was allocated across the three territories for RInC projects.

Four Nunavut communities will receive $567,000 in RInC funding to support facility improvements. Proposals were solicited through an open call for applications which closed on June 15, 2009.

Chesterfield Inlet - Renovations to Community Complex Gym
Project total: $300,000
($150,000 contributed each by the governments of Canada and Nunavut)

Chesterfield Inlet’s community gym was built in the 1980s and has fallen into disrepair in recent years. The community gym functions as a multi-purpose gathering place for the community, as well as a recreational space for youth and elders for square dances, floor hockey, basketball, volleyball and Inuit games.

The funding provided through RInC will support renovations to the complex to encourage the ongoing use of the gym by the people of Chesterfield Inlet.

Taloyoak Pool Renovation
Project total: $200,000
($100,000 contributed each by the governments of Canada and Nunavut)

Taloyoak’s community indoor pool was built more than 20 years ago and requires repairs to continue to operate. The funding provided through RInC will be used to install a new pool liner and repair the wooden deck that surrounds the pool. These upgrades will help ensure Taloyoak residents can use the pool throughout the year for swimming lessons, competitions and other community events. It will also encourage healthy and active lifestyles.

Igloolik and Sanikiluaq Arenas - Cement Pads
Project totals: $400,000 and $234,000, respectively
($200,000 and $117,000 contributed each by the governments of Canada and Nunavut, respectively)

The local arenas are important community gathering spaces for the communities of Igloolik and Sanikiluaq. Funding provided through RInC will be used to install cement pads in the existing arenas. These upgrades will help maintain the ice for longer periods of time and provide a better surface for off-season recreational activities.

Supporting Infrastructure, Supporting Canada’s Economy

Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) is a national program that provides economic stimulus of $500 million until March 31, 2011. The program shares the cost of repairing, upgrading or expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities. RInC is delivered by CanNor in the three northern territories, and by the other federal economic development agencies in the provinces.

The RInC program supports “shovel-ready” improvement and repair projects for community recreation facilities while stimulating the economy and creating jobs at the local level.