Investments Support Renovations to Recreational and Community Infrastructure
News Release
Government of Canada supports enhancements to four St. John’s and Southern Shore area facilities
March 6, 2017 – St. John’s (NL) – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, today announced almost $265,000 from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) for upgrades to recreational and community infrastructure in St. John’s and on the Southern Shore. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The St. Bon’s Forum Corporation in St. John’s is receiving $100,268 in federal funding for interior and exterior renovations to the St. Bon’s Forum. This will include replacing existing flooring, installing new stadium boards and wall coverings, refurbishing dressing rooms, as well as adding energy efficient lighting and a hot water recovery system. This project will help increase the sustainability and viability of the facility by enabling the use of the ice surface for an additional three months each year and by offering more events throughout the year.
The Vera Perlin Society Inc. in St. John’s is receiving $80,750 to renovate its Button Shop, which houses a social enterprise program to provide meaningful employment to individuals with developmental disabilities. Through this project, the Vera Perlin Society will complete interior and exterior renovations including an exterior entrance ramp, accessible doorways and a washroom and an automated entry system. The renovations will enable the Button Shop to serve a larger group of clients, which will in turn increase the number of available employment opportunities at the facility.
The Town of Witless Bay is receiving $65,250 to upgrade the town's outdoor swimming pool and recreation area. This project includes repairs to the pool deck and surfaces, upgrades to a multi-sport field, installation of horseshoe pits as well as enhancements and beautification of the town's main recreation area. The Bay Bulls - Bauline Athletic Association (BBBAA) is also investing $35,000 in this project with the Town of Witless Bay contributing $49,750.
The Southern Shore Arena Association in Bay Bulls is using an $18,625 investment to renovate the Southern Shore Arena. This project includes replacement of an electrical panel, construction of a dividing wall in a multi-purpose room, replacement of dressing room seating and installation of new lighting fixtures throughout the building. The Arena Association is also contributing $25,000 to the project.
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. CIP 150 is administered by ACOA in the Atlantic region.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of safe, quality, reliable recreational and community infrastructure to the health and vitality of our citizens and communities. The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is providing towns, cities and organizations right across this great country with an opportunity to upgrade and enhance community spaces while paying tribute to our nation’s special anniversary. This year, let’s honour Canada as we come together to play, create and celebrate.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)“Targeted investments in public infrastructure like the four initiatives announced today, help build stronger, more inclusive communities. These organizations make valuable contributions to our citizens by offering recreational and employment opportunities and greatly improving the quality of life. These upgrades will help ensure these facilities remain a vital part of our region for years to come.”
- Seamus O’Regan, Member of Parliament, St. John’s South – Mount Pearl“The St. Bon’s Forum Corporation is pleased to have support from the Government of Canada to help extend the life of our arena by another 20 years. At 95 years-old, the St. Bon’s Forum is the third oldest rink in the world and we welcome this opportunity to renovate and reinvigorate it as we move forward with plans to recruit new people and resources.
- Todd Hiscock, Chairman, St. Bon’s Forum Corporation“The Vera Perlin Society is delighted to have the federal government, through ACOA, partner with us on this project. This funding will allow the Society to address more of the challenges with the facility.”
- Earl Howell, Chairman, Capital Works Program, Vera Perlin Society Inc.“This $150,000 project celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary is very exciting for our town. It will greatly enhance the quality of our recreation infrastructure for our residents and will be a great boon for our tourism industry as well.”
- Sébastien Després, Mayor, Town of Witless Bay
“This funding is great news for the Southern Shore Arena Association and for the many users of our facility. The arena is a main venue on the Southern Shore not only for hockey and other sports, but also for conferences, seminars, weddings and business meetings. These upgrades will help us continue to provide a safe, clean and reliable building for residents and visitors alike.”
- Ken Williams, Manager, Southern Shore Arena Association
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Todd Hiscock
Chairman
ST. Bon’s Forum Corporation
709-351-1505
todd@beaufortsolutions.com
Sébastien Després
Mayor
Town of Witless Bay
709-334-3407
sebastiend@mun.ca
Roger Downer
Executive Director
Vera Perlin Society Inc.
709-739-6017
rogerdowner@hotmail.com
Ken Williams
Manager
Southern Shore Arena Association
709-687-0767
southernshorearena@nf.aibn.com