July 17, 2014
Supporting the Development of Communities
New $3 Million Community Centre Opened in Southlands
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, together with Dennis O’Keefe, Mayor of the City of St. John’s, participated in an official opening and tree-planting ceremony for the new $3 million Southlands Community Centre today.
“Multi-purpose facilities such as this one become the heart of our communities. They allow residents to participate in activities which enable them to live healthy and active lifestyles. It is important that our municipalities play a key role in encouraging residents to be active and healthy. Through this $3 million cost-shared investment, we have supported the city in bringing this new community centre project to fruition for the benefit of communities and families across the region.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
The new facility will serve the needs of residents and community groups in Southlands, a developing, vibrant neighbourhood. The building incorporates a number of environmental and energy saving features including water management for reduced water usage as well as heat recovery techniques as part of its thermal energy plan.
“This new building will be an important centre for Southlands and the surrounding area. Children and families will be able to take full advantage of a variety of programming which will increase physical activity and wellness for all residents.”
- John Dinn, MHA for Kilbride
Funding for the project was announced in September 2012, and is cost-shared 50-50 between the Provincial Government and the City of St. John’s.
“Southlands Community Centre will be a hub for this growing community. This new building will become a neighbourhood centre for activity, discussion and fun.
- Dennis O’Keefe, Mayor of the City of St. John’s
Envision St. John’s, the city’s draft municipal plan, recognizes the importance of community centres in the development and maintenance of healthy communities. One of the primary goals in the new plan is to design complete neighbourhoods with efficient infrastructure, facilities and services.
“Our public consultations have identified the needs of the community and we know that residents of Southlands are as excited about the possibilities for this facility as we are, including the playground, fields and trail system, which are already being used.”
- Wally Collins, Councillor Ward 5
Between 2008 and 2013, the Provincial Government invested over $650 million in municipal capital works projects which has resulted in improved municipal infrastructure across the province. When federal and municipal contributions are included the total investment is in excess of $1 billion.
QUICK FACTS
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A ceremony and tree planting took place today to officially open the Southlands Community Centre.
- The $3 million project was cost-shared 50-50 between the Provincial Government and the City of St. John’s.
- Southlands Community Centre is one of several new community improvement projects being undertaken by the city. Envision St. John’s, the city’s draft municipal plan, recognizes the importance of community centres in the development and maintenance of healthy communities. One of the primary goals in the new plan is to design complete neighbourhoods with efficient infrastructure, facilities and services.
- Since 2008, the Provincial Government has invested over $650 million in municipal capital works projects which has resulted in improved municipal infrastructure across the province.
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Media contacts:
| Hugh Donnan Director of Communications Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs 709-729-1983, 725-6511 hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca |
Donna Ivey Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-3551 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
| Susan Bonnell Manager, Marketing and Communications City of St. John's 709-576-3906, 690-9285 sbonnell@stjohns.ca |
2014 07 17 11:15 a.m.