Government of Canada Supporting Community Infrastructure in Atlantic Canada
July 31, 2015 – St. John’s, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre will be expanded, thanks in part to Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) funding announced today by the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (ACOA).
The Government of Canada has approved a contribution of $300,250 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre Inc. to expand the province’s premiere multi-purpose indoor training and high-performance strength and conditioning facility located in St. John’s, NL. Federal funding is part of the up to $16.6 million allocated for projects in Atlantic Canada under CIP 150, announced earlier this year by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The project involves the expansion of the two buildings that make up the Sports Centre – the Dr. Noel Browne High Performance Centre and the PowerPlex building – from 4132 m2 to 4774 m2, resulting in improved overall operations and facilities available to the public and the province’s high performance athletes.
The national Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is providing up to $150 million over two years to support projects that rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing public infrastructure for communities. It is part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships and modernize existing community facilities.
In Atlantic Canada, CIP 150 is administered through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Quick Facts:
- This investment is one in a series slated for community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural facilities, cenotaphs and other community infrastructure facilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is one of several infrastructure-related initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken to generate well-being and prosperity in communities across Canada.
- Infrastructure investments are a proven, effective means of boosting economic activity and enhancing the quality of life for Canadian families.
- Projects that will be supported by the program will be chosen based on assessment criteria including construction-readiness and public benefit, the extent to which funding is leveraged from other sources and linkages to Canada 150.
- Total federal government funding will be a maximum of 50 per cent of the total eligible costs for projects in Atlantic Canada.
- The Government of Canada’s contributions are contingent on the execution of contribution agreements with recipients.
- Selected projects are expected to be completed by March 31, 2018.
Quotes:
“The 150th anniversary of Confederation is a time to celebrate the places across this great country that unite and connect us – the parks, the trails, the cultural and community centres and more. The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will have a lasting impact in Atlantic Canada and will ensure residents, such as those here in St. John’s, have access to improved community spaces.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (ACOA)
“The availability of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program funding is fantastic news for the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre. This funding opportunity through ACOA allows us to improve our facilities and programming as we strive to become a healthier and stronger community. The opportunity to grow and improve is a source of pride for all of us and demonstrates to our community, province and country that we have the ambition to compete on all levels with the rest of our great nation.”
- Dr. Patrick Parfrey, Chairman of the NL Sports Centre
Associated Links:
www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/CIP150
http://canada.pch.gc.ca/canada150
NL Sports Centre
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Kelsie.Corey@canada.ca
Julie Afonso
A/Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Julie.Afonso@canada.ca
Rod Snow
Executive Director
NL Sports Centre
709-729-6580
rodsnow@gov.nl.ca
