Recreation Opportunities Enhanced Through $144,000 Investment in Buchans Pool

Residents and families of the Town of Buchans will benefit from a $144,000 investment in the town’s swimming pool to upgrade and repair the outdoor facility so that it can be enjoyed by the people of the community for years to come. The announcement of funding was made today at the pool by the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans.

“Recreation infrastructure is a top priority of the Provincial Government, and allows our residents to maintain healthy and active lifestyles,” said Minister O’Brien. “We are committed to building strong and sustainable communities, which offer opportunities for residents to raise families and live active lives. This $144,000 investment will ensure that the residents of the Town of Buchans have access to a high-quality outdoor swimming pool which will be a focal point of summer activity in the community.”

The Buchans pool was originally opened in 1957, and features six 25 metre lanes. It is home to the Buchans Speedos swim team, who compete annually in the All Newfoundland Summer Club Swim meet held in Gander.

“This is an important announcement for the people of Buchans, and demonstrates the Provincial Government’s commitment to invest in the upgrading of municipal infrastructure,” said Minister Sullivan. “This investment will mean a lot to the users of the Buchans pool, particularly the swim team, and will benefit all residents of the community long into the future.”

Funding for these projects is cost-shared, with the Provincial Government providing 90 per cent and the Town of Buchans covering the remaining 10 per cent.

“I am really pleased to see this investment announced today, which we are making along with the Provincial Government,” said Derm Corbett, Mayor of Buchans. “As a town, we place a strong emphasis on our recreation program, and the work we are undertaking at the pool will upgrade the facility for the use of both competitive and leisure users.”

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future includes funding for the second year of a $130 million municipal capital works program. This investment is funding important infrastructure projects for towns and cities, and is delivering better services for families in areas such as water and waste water, recreation, road repair, and fire services, across the province.

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2013 07 25             10:15 a.m.