Municipal Affairs
Tourism, Culture and Recreation
July 29, 2011
Premier Announces $3.5 Million for New Swimming Pool in Lewisporte
The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that a new swimming pool will be built in the Town of Lewisporte as a result of a Provincial Government investment of $3.5 million, with the town contributing the remainder of the total project cost of $4.41 million.
Joining the Premier were the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs; Wade Verge, MHA for Lewisporte; and Brian Peckford, Mayor of Lewisporte. The project is being cost-shared at an 80/20 ratio between the Provincial Government and the Town of Lewisporte through the 2011 Municipal Capital Works program.
“Our government recognizes the need for community recreational and sport facilities that influence the health and well-being of our residents, families, and communities," said Premier Dunderdale. “This swimming pool for Lewisporte is an example of our commitment to strong and healthy communities. Our investment in recreation facilities such as this one provides residents the opportunity to make the choice to get and stay active, which is a major part of living a healthy lifestyle.”
The pool will be located next to the town arena and will be 765 square metres. The facility will include a pool area of 18.2 metres x 7.2 metres, change rooms, a community room, reception and viewing area as well staff areas and storage.
“Through our continued investment in municipal infrastructure we are helping municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador deliver quality services to their residents,” said Minister O’Brien. “Our investment in this swimming pool in Lewisporte is another important project which is helping to improve infrastructure, along with enhancing the sense of pride and community spirit in our municipalities.”
The Provincial Government recognizes the need to increase the participation of residents in physical activity and the importance of recreation and sport infrastructure in communities.
“Community infrastructure, such as swimming pools, is an important component to enable residents to participate in healthy, active lifestyles,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “This type of facility will create an environment to encourage all ages to participate in physical activities, whether competitive or recreational.”
“The funding announced today by the Provincial Government will certainly improve the lives of area residents through enhanced recreational and sport opportunities," said Mr. Verge. "As Lewisporte continues to grow, we need to ensure it has the amenities desired by residents and this pool is certainly a welcomed addition to the community.”
Consultants will soon be engaged to begin the design process and tenders for the initial construction are expected to be issued in the coming months. Completion of the swimming pool is scheduled for the spring of 2013.
“Our town is very pleased to partner with the Provincial Government to make a swimming pool for Lewisporte a reality,” said Mayor Brian Peckford. “I look forward to the day in the near future when we can open our pool and the people of Lewisporte can enjoy this important facility.”
Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador includes $140.8 million for new and ongoing municipal infrastructure projects. When combined with federal cost-shared programs and municipal contributions, the total investment this year is expected to be approximately $219 million.
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Media contacts:
| Glenda Power Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 glendapower@gov.nl.ca |
Milly Brown Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 631-8477 millybrown@gov.nl.ca |
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Ken Morrissey Director of Communications Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-1983, 685-6612 kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca |
Diana Quinton Director of Communications Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation 709-729-0928, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
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Donna Ivey Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-0898, 697-1424 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
Brian Peckford Mayor Town of Lewisporte 709-535-273 |
2011 07 29 3:50 p.m.