Alberta UCP vows to spend $80M over 4 years on community rec facilities

The United Conservative Party says it will invest $80 million over four years to a create a “Community Recreation Centre Infrastructure Fund” if Albertans choose them to form the next government on following election day Monday.

The fund would “ensure communities across the province have the resources to continue enjoying these spaces” which they say are “often the hearts of their communities.”

It will work with the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) to fund mid-sized projects such as pools, arenas and indoor turf centres, according to the party.

“Everyday, Alberta families rely on community facilities for children’s programs, fitness classes, recreation, and meeting spaces,” UCP candidate for Calgary-Foothills Jason Luan said in a press release. “By creating the Community Recreation Centre Infrastructure Fund, we can ensure that more Alberta families will have access to these programs and activities in their own neighbourhoods, which will foster relationships by bringing people together.”

The UCP said the program will “respond to local facility needs” and “work in partnership with eligible non-profit organizations” to help in acquisition, construction, upgrading, or redevelopment of public-use community facilities.

The financial specifics of the new fund have yet to be determined, however, the CFEP grants which it will work alongside are capped at $1 million per project.

“It will be higher than $1 million to provide meaningful support for mid-sized facilities,” the party said.

“What we are doing here today is showing our commitment to supporting Alberta families and the facilities they use to feel part of their communities and to feel connected to their neighbours.”

The UCP also noted in its release that the infrastructure funding for Calgary’s new entertainment centre is separate from this funding.