LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/17/12 -- Today, Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament for Langley, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for McLeod Athletic Park under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

"I am proud to see Langley benefit from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund," said MP Warawa. "This investment will help create jobs and growth, and will support the prosperity of Langley. McLeod Park is an incredible facility for the people of Langley and enables us, as a community, to host more sporting events, and promote the sports tourism industry in Langley for years to come."

Funding of $250,000 will help the Township of Langley upgrade McLeod Athletic Park, creating jobs and economic growth in the community. Changes will include leveling an existing field, upgrading its drainage, and installing new synthetic turf - providing users with year-round outdoor recreation options.

"McLeod Athletic Park is one of the exceptional athletic facilities that have helped Langley Township gain a reputation for being an outstanding sport tourism destination," said Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese. "We truly appreciate this Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund support, which will further enhance this park for use by community groups and in hosting high-calibre sporting events."

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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Backgrounder

Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund

Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), the Harper Government has committed to supporting communities and creating jobs through repairs and improvements to existing community facilities over the next two years. The Fund is being delivered by the regional development agencies across Canada. In Western Canada, Western Economic Diversification is delivering over $46 million towards eligible projects.

The construction of new infrastructure and repairs to facilities that are primarily for commercial or for-profit activities are ineligible. Facilities must be accessible for use by the public and not limited to a private membership. All projects are required to be completed by March 31, 2014.

Organizations eligible to apply for funding under CIIF include:

--  local or regional governments or related agencies; 
--  provincial entities that provide municipal-type services to communities;
--  non-profit organizations; and 
--  First Nation governments, including Band or Tribal Councils or their
    legally-designated representatives. 

Examples of the type of community infrastructure that can be supported under CIIF include:

--  community centres; 
--  cultural centres; 
--  parks; 
--  libraries; 
--  recreational facilities (e.g. local arenas, swimming pools, sports
    fields, and other types of recreational facilities); 
--  tourism facilities having a local impact; and 
--  other existing community infrastructure assets which have a local
    community impact such as connectivity and broadband and local airports. 

Please refer to the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund website for more information.