Today, Tom Lukiwski, Member of Parliament for Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding towards upgrading the Craik arena under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

“Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our communities,” said MP Lukiwski. “By improving facilities such as the Craik arena, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians.”

Federal funding of $34,447 will help the Town install a suspended insulated ceiling and energy-efficient lighting over the arena’s ice surface. The upgrades will improve visibility for spectators, as well as on the ice, and will reduce the arena’s operating costs.

“Currently, the Craik Memorial Rink is very dark inside” said Craik Rink Board President Jason Nolting. “The new suspended ceiling will help brighten the facility and provide an estimated 20 per cent in energy savings. The new lighting will also help the Town save an estimated additional 15 per cent. Thanks to the CIIF funding, this means a reduction in operating costs of approximately $5,000 annually for the rink.”

CIIF supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure accessible to the public. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the Fund in Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

For more information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-975-5942
Email: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca

Jason Nolting
President, Craik Rink Board
Craik, Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-567-7910
Email: nolts@sasktel.net