Matt DeCourcey, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Honourable Stephen Horsman, Deputy Premier for New Brunswick and Minister responsible for Families and Children and Minister responsible for Military Affairs, as well as Mayor Mike O’Brien, City of Fredericton, joined Wostawea Cross-Country Ski Club officials at Killarney Lake today to make the funding announcement.

“We believe that investing in strategic projects to upgrade recreational infrastructure is key to helping create new opportunities and strengthen regional economies,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The project includes the development of nine kilometres of new trails as well as improvements to five kilometres of existing trails for cross-country skiing and hiking at Killarney Lake Park. This includes widening, grading and smoothing.

“The Government of Canada is committed to working closely with communities to support projects that contribute to the quality of life of the families who live there.  Expanding the trail system at Killarney Lake will increase local options for recreational skiing, while attracting important regional and national events that will create opportunities for economic growth and diversification,” commented Matt DeCourcey, Member of Parliament for Fredericton.

The Government of Canada is providing $90,131 in funding under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150), while the City of Fredericton is providing $75,000 and the Province of New Brunswick is contributing $20,000.  The Wostawea Cross-Country Ski Club is providing $14,869 now as well as an additional $5,000 that will be raised through a variety of fundraising initiatives.

“The Government of New Brunswick is committed to investing in projects that promote wellness and active living for all ages. These trail upgrades will create new routes for local users as well as potential winter tourism opportunities by expanding the trail system as an option for regional and national ski events,” said the Honourable Stephen Horsman, Deputy Premier of New Brunswick, on behalf of the Honourable John Ames, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture.

CIP 150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.

“I want to thank the federal and provincial governments, as well as the Wostawea Cross-Country Ski Club for investing in trail improvements at Killarney Lake Park.  Along with our own contribution, this kind of partnership is very much in keeping with our recreation and sport tourism goals, and park improvement planning process,” added Mayor Mike O’Brien, City of Fredericton.

These investments will help create jobs, boost economic activity, strengthen communities and celebrate Canada’s rich heritage and history. CIP 150 is administered by ACOA in the Atlantic region.

“Wostawea’s membership has doubled in the past decade as more and more Frederictonians discover the joys of cross-country skiing. These new trails will offer exciting new routes and challenges for recreational skiers and racers of all ages, and will make Killarney Lake Park the cross-country ski destination of choice for southern and central New Brunswick.  We’re very grateful to ACOA, the City of Fredericton and the Province of New Brunswick for their support,” commented John Ball, President, Wostawea Cross-County Ski Club – read more about the club here.