LILLOOET, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/30/12 -- Today, Mark Strahl, Member of Parliament for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the Lillooet and District REC Centre 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 Strahl. "By improving facilities such as this, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians."

Funding of $52,000 will help the District of Lillooet rehabilitate the Lillooet and District REC Centre, by replacing an exterior marquee sign with an energy-efficient electronic message board, improving the centre's boiler unit and making various improvements to the pool area. These improvements will provide the centre with new, modern components, increasing accessibility and safety for members of the community and providing environmental benefits.

"The District of Lillooet is pleased to accept the $52,000 funding through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund to help rehabilitate our REC Centre. The funding we have received will help ensure our facility operates in a safe and responsible manner for the good of our local population," said District of Lillooet Mayor Dennis Bontron. "Furthermore, this funding will help address public communication challenges and assist in reducing the operating costs of the facility and our carbon footprint. This speaks very well for the efforts of staff in achieving our strategic objectives"

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.

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