Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at UPEI to Undergo Facility Upgrades
News Release
May 24, 2016 – Charlottetown, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Member of Parliament for Charlottetown Sean Casey, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today joined faculty and staff at the University of Prince Edward Island and the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre to announce an investment of $299,270 under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) for upgrades to the athletic facility. Through its Inspire Campaign Initiative, UPEI will match the federal contribution for a total project cost of $598,540.
The Sports Centre which has been in operation since 1990 is now in need of a number of upgrades. Through this CIP 150 investment, the facility will undergo renovations to ensure its positive lasting impact for many years to come. The infrastructure upgrade project consists of two components. A new two-storey 2,400 square foot activity training centre will be created out of existing space and will feature a lower floor to accommodate general fitness classes, along with upper level training area equipped with stationary bicycles and interval training capabilities. The aging wooden bleachers in the gymnasium will be replaced with new electronically-operated telescopic bleachers, providing safer and more comfortable seating for audiences at athletic events. The fitness facilities of this centre are used by over 40,000 people each year, including students, gym members, and other visitors, while over 26,000 people attend various events in the gym each year.
Quotes
“Communities are made up of great people who require infrastructure that creates venues for community gatherings and encourages healthy living. Through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, the Government of Canada is supporting the preservation and upgrade of these important pieces of social infrastructure well into the future.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
“I am pleased to announce funding through CIP150 for this important piece of community infrastructure that is utilized Island-wide. The number of people who use this facility is an excellent indicator of the growing interest in fitness and health across Canada, and these upgrades will ensure that the sports centre remains relevant to the needs of the community, and the University and its students, for years to come.”
- Sean Casey, Member of Parliament (Charlottetown)
"The availability of Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program funding is wonderful news for the University of Prince Edward Island and our Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. UPEI thanks ACOA for this investment that will allow us to improve our facility and our ability to help students, faculty, staff, alumni and Islanders access and enjoy sport, fitness, and recreational activities on our beautiful campus."
- Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island
Associated Links
Contacts
Jana Parker
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-314-0874
Nicole Phillips
Associate Director, Marketing and Communications
University of Prince Edward Island
902-566-0947
nphillips@upei.ca
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