The new federal budget and sport funding

Pick up the shovel, everybody.

The 2009 Federal Budget takes direct aim at the long standing
infrastructure deficit in sport and recreation with a new, dedicated,
$500 million fund, to be expended in the next 2 years, to renew and
build facilities in our communities.

With specific references to the 1967 Centennial year building boom, the
budget highlights in detail the need for “hockey arenas, soccer fields,
tennis and basketball courts, and swimming pools” as examples for
upgrading, renewal and building through this nationally delivered
initiative.

The program will be a 50/50 matching initiative through regional
development agencies (i.e. ACOA in Atlantic Canada) whereby provinces
and municipalities, community sport organizations, and the private
sector may all apply for matching funds where shovel ready projects exist.

3 big goals drive the new fund- economic stimulus, quality facilities,
and national spirit- and the allocation will be based on merit and
readiness accordingly.

Much more to come re: Aboriginal health initiatives, opportunities for
youth employment in sport organizations, and even more infrastructure
opportunities.

All for now and cheers to all for our successful collaboration on the
sport and recreation infrastructure file.

Ian Bird

Senior leader

On behalf of the Sport Matters Group

*SMG@SIRC*

*180 rue Elgin Street, Suite 1400*

*Ottawa, ON*

*K2P 2K3*

*Tele: 613-231-7472 ext: 246*

*Fax/ Téléc: 613-231-3739*

*www.sportmatters.ca ***