St. John's Community Infrastructure to Receive Upgrades
News Release
Government of Canada investments support improvements to three facilities
February 3, 2017– St. John’s, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, 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 announced Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) funding of almost $270,000 for three projects in St. John’s at an event at Husky Energy Easter Seals House.
Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) will use an investment of $100,250 to purchase and install a fully accessible play structure on the grounds of Husky Energy Easter Seals House. This equipment will help Easter Seals NL to expand its existing suite of more than 20 recreational, therapeutic, and social programs and services to include accessible and inclusive outdoor play that will enable participants to enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends. This initiative will also help Easter Seals NL to continue to tear down barriers for persons with disabilities and help participants build confidence, physical strength and self-esteem.
Memorial University of Newfoundland will receive an investment of $100,250 to renovate the dressing rooms on the main floor of the Aquarena at The Works. The Aquarena, built in 1977 for the Canada Summer Games, offers lessons, recreational and competitive swimming, sports such as water polo, diving and synchronized swimming, fitness classes and family swims to Memorial students, as well as to children, adults, school and community groups from St. John’s and surrounding communities.
The City of St. John’s will also use an investment of $68,753 to upgrade two beachfront areas at Rotary Sunshine Park, a publicly accessible park which is also used by the City’s education and training programs for approximately 200 school-aged children in the spring, and more than 2,000 city and community centre participants throughout the summer. Specifically, the project includes the renovation of two existing wharves and the installation of additional floating docks. These enhancements will enable the City to train participants in a variety of boating activities and provide a safer and more effective viewing area during demonstrations and instructions.
CIP 150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The program is delivered in Newfoundland and Labrador by ACOA.
Quotes
“Through CIP 150, the Government of Canada provides support for local infrastructure projects that help improve communities like St. John’s. The investments announced today will enable the city to restore and upgrade some key community facilities and outdoor spaces that bring residents together and enhance tourism and business growth.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“I am very pleased today to announce funding for Easter Seals, NL, the Aquarena and the Rotary Sunshine Park – three important pieces of this City’s, and this region’s, recreational infrastructure. These investments make real and immediate improvements to the places where we gather to exercise, to play and to spend time with family and friends. Targeted investments such as these in public infrastructure build stronger, more inclusive communities while also celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary.”
- Nick Whalen, MP for St. John’s East
"This investment by ACOA makes this project a reality. Now all persons with and without disabilities will have a place where they can play together outside."
- Trevor Hickey, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Easter Seals NL Inc.
“The funding provided by ACOA will allow The Works to improve facilities that have not had major renovations in 40 years. The improvements will assist The Works in continuing to offer programming and offer services that meet the needs of over 30,000 users weekly.”
- Craig Neil, Director/General Manager, The Works
"I thank the federal government for supporting citizens of St. John's through this important investment in outdoor community infrastructure. I am pleased to announce that the City of St. John's has committed $68,753 to match the funds provided. Ensuring that affordable recreation opportunities are available for children, youth, adults and seniors is an important part of our Community Services program. The City of St. John's Outdoor Program provides skill oriented experiences that aid in developing environmental awareness, instills a sense of personal challenge and achievement, and provides safe and inclusive enjoyment of the outdoors. Upgrades to the wharfs at Rotary Sunshine Park will allow our staff to improve current programming such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing, and will enhance the overall experience for all participants of our outdoor programs and camps."
- Dennis O’Keefe, Mayor of the City of St. John’s
Associated Links
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.Mcgrath@canada.ca
Trevor Hickey
Director, Corporate Affairs and Communications
Easter Seals, Newfoundland and Labrador Inc.
709-730-4860
trevor@eastersealsnl.ca
Craig Neil
Director/General Manager
Aquarena at The Works
Memorial University of Newfoundland
709-864-3783
cneil@mun.ca
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca
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