A major infusion of cash will keep Vernon area residents moving.

The federal government announced $748,519 in Canada 150 grants for four local projects Thursday.

鈥淲e want to empower communities across the country,鈥� sad Carla Qualtrough, minister of sport and persons with disabilities.

鈥淭hese facilities are the heart beat of our communities.鈥�

The funding includes $150,000 to replace the artificial turf at the VantageOne Soccer Centre.

鈥淭his is critical to reinvigorate our field. It鈥檚 worn out,鈥� said Kai Tolpinrud, soccer centre general manager.

The soccer centre allows all ages, but particularly youth, to remain involved in the sport during all seasons.

鈥淲e鈥檙e booked top to bottom most of the year,鈥� said Tolpinrud.

There is also $47,019 so the Okanagan Indian Band can renovate facilities at Komasket Park and construct a 1.2-kilometre fitness path.

鈥淲e want to promote a healthy lifestyle,鈥� said Dan Wilson, band councillor.

鈥淭he park is also next to our daycare and pre-school and the upgrades will allow them to access the facilities.鈥�

Ottawa is also directing $80,000 to upgrades to Vernon鈥檚 Centennial Outdoor Rink.

鈥淚t鈥檚 great to have families come out and enjoy the facility. It鈥檚 important for our youth to get out and be active,鈥� said Akbal Mund, Vernon鈥檚 mayor.

And the final grant, for $471,500, was announced earlier this year, and it will go towards development of the Okanagan Rail Trail between Coldstream and 琉璃神社.

鈥淲e鈥檙e looking for ongoing community support and from all levels of government,鈥� said Duane Thomson, with the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative.