Bigger, better facility helping residents stay active and healthy
Milton, Ontario, March 9, 2012 – Government representatives gathered in the Town of Milton today to celebrate the official grand opening of the recently expanded Milton Sports Centre.
Phase 1 of the expansion included the addition of two new ice pads, an indoor track, studio with mirrors and sprung floor, double gymnasium, meeting rooms, renovated concession stand and a program room for children's activities. Phase 1 also upgraded the building to LEED certification and utilizes many of the latest energy efficiency technologies, including a geo-thermal heat recovery system that lowers carbon emissions and heating costs. The two new ice pads – along with two existing ice pads – provide hundreds of hours of ice and floor opportunities for people of all ages and interests to participate in recreational activities in Milton.
Phase 2 of the project, funded by the Town of Milton, included constructing a leisure pool and 25-metre pool which features eight lanes, two diving boards and easy ramp access. The expansion of the Milton Sports Centre ensures that it will continue to be an integral part of the leisure facility offerings in the rapidly-growing community of Milton.
"One of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada, Milton is a dynamic town with many residents eager to lead healthy and active lifestyles,"
said Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Halton. "Thanks to Canada's Economic Action Plan, this project created local jobs and economic growth, while providing families and residents in Milton with a world-class recreational facility."
"Our government is investing in projects like this one to stimulate the economy, create jobs and provide strong, sustainable infrastructure for our communities,"
said Kevin Flynn, Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville. "This project has created more than 10 new jobs and will ensure that families and their children can enjoy a range of activities in a dynamic community hub for many years to come."
"The expansion of the Milton Sports Centre will serve our growing community for years to come, providing more recreational choices and opportunities to be active, healthy and move more,"
said Milton Mayor Gord Krantz. "I would be remiss if I didn't thank the provincial and federal governments for their contributions to this project."
The governments of Canada and Ontario each contributed $6.68 million through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund toward eligible Phase 1 expansion project costs. The Town of Milton contributed the balance of the total expansion cost of $40.3 million.
The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. Thanks to Canada's Economic Action Plan and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader amongst G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 610,000 net new jobs created since July 2009.
This project also supports Building Together, the Government of Ontario's long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province's roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Ontario is investing $12.8 billion in infrastructure projects in 2011-12, bringing the government's total infrastructure investments since 2003 to $75 billion. Building modern, efficient infrastructure has created or preserved close to 100,000 jobs each year, on average, making Ontario's economy more productive and improving quality of life, now and in the future.
For additional information about investments in infrastructure, visit infrastructure.gc.ca.
For further information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information on how Ontario is revitalizing its infrastructure, visit ontario.ca/infrastructure.
Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure
416-325-0781
Liliana Busnello
Communications Specialist
Town of Milton
905-878-7252, extension 2154
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Or toll-free 1-877-250-7154
