The Pilley's Island Recreation Committee has received $15,000 from the Community Capital Grant Program to help facilitate upgrades to its local recreation infrastructure.

"This investment will help repair the roof and foundation of the town's recreation/community centre, upgrade equipment at the local playground, and enhance the community's walking trail," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "As a Provincial Government, we are pleased to support projects which encourage all of our citizens — young and older alike — to be engaged in regular physical and social activities in a safe and inviting environment."

Pilley's Island is among more than 30 communities throughout the province which will receive funding to purchase equipment and upgrade their recreation and sport infrastructure through the most recent allocation of $450,900 through the Community Capital Grant Program.

"I am pleased that the Pilley's Island Recreation Committee will avail of this grant program to enhance the recreation facilities within the community," said Grand Falls-Windsor — Green Bay South MHA Ray Hunter. "Providing safe, attractive recreation facilities and equipment for our residents helps to promote participation, which in turn contributes to healthy living."

The Community Capital Grant Program is an application-based program that provides funding of up to $15,000 to municipalities and recreation commissions to improve their recreation and sports infrastructure.

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future provides an additional $300,000 to the Community Capital Grant Program, bringing the total annual investment in this program to $1.3 million. Since the introduction of the Provincial Government's recreation and sport strategy, Active, Healthy Newfoundland and Labrador (2007), more than $62.4 million in new funding has been committed for recreation and sport infrastructure and equipment throughout the province.

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