L'ANCIENNE-LORETTE, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - June 4, 2016) - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announced the awarding of $300,000 in financial assistance to the Association des sports de balle de Val-Bélair et de L'Ancienne-Lorette (also frequently called VBAL) for the reconditioning of five ball diamonds. When the work is complete, the lighting systems will have been replaced, the player shelters renovated, bulletin boards and protective cages added, the playing surfaces restored and drainage problems resolved.

Key players in the communities have long been asking for concrete, lasting improvements to the community and recreational infrastructures. The Government of Canada is proud to invest in projects that, like this one by VBAL, contribute to the vitality and buoyancy of all of the country's regions.

VBAL is a non-profit organization that organizes baseball practise on a number of fields of L'Ancienne-Lorette, Val-Bélair, Shannon, Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier and Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier The non-repayable contribution, awarded under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150), will enable them to upgrade the equipment that dates back roughly 40 years, making it safer and more attractive.

CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Quote

"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the projects of organizations that mobilize and unite our communities. These projects strengthen Canada's communities, create jobs and stimulate economic activity. I am thrilled with the support from CED to the organization, whose contribution to baseball is undeniable for the communities it serves. Its work is, in fact, essential for maintaining and developing interest in baseball, from both a sports and social perspective, because it helps maintain a healthy environment that is favourable to the well-being of multiple communities."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

Related links

Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program: http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/docs/pic-feult-eng.pdf

Association des sports de balle de Val-Bélair et de L'Ancienne-Lorette: http://www.vbal.qc.ca/en/index.html (in French only)

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