Government of Canada supports Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre

October 02, 2009

Bridgewater, Nova Scotia – Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s, today announced the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide residents of Lunenburg County with a new multipurpose recreational centre. The Government of Canada is setting aside up to one-third of total eligible costs, to a maximum federal contribution of $10.35 million for the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre, a priority project for the federal government, the Town of Bridgewater and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.

“This is a great day for Lunenburg County! I have worked diligently on this project, along with the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre Society, and I've always had faith we would see it through to its finish,” said MP Keddy. “The Government of Canada, under the leadership of Stephen Harper, recognizes that infrastructure investments are essential to stimulating the economy and creating jobs. This new multipurpose lifestyle facility is an excellent example of modern infrastructure that will encourage stronger, healthier and more active communities today and for the future.”

“We are pleased to contribute to this important facility for families along the South Shore,” said Gary Ramey, MLA for Lunenburg West, on behalf of Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. “We are also pleased that the federal government has made a similar financial commitment.”

The Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre will be a year-round sport, recreational and cultural facility. The project involves the construction of two NHL regulation-sized ice pads with fixed seating for 1800 spectators. The facility will also include a walking track on the upper concourse area, an aquatic centre with sport training, leisure and therapeutic pool, a public library and other multipurpose spaces, including administrative offices, community and cultural spaces and areas capable of hosting meetings, high tech training sessions, exercise classes, senior citizens activities and other functions.
 
Federal infrastructure funding will come from the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. This funding is conditional on the project meeting all of the requirements under the Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement for the project.

Beyond this funding announcement, the Government of Canada is taking important steps to support economic growth. Canada’s Economic Action Plan is accelerating and expanding the existing federal investment of $33 billion in infrastructure across Canada with almost $12 billion in new infrastructure stimulus funding over the next two years. This will help address infrastructure priorities in communities across Canada, as well as contribute to long-term economic growth. Funding will be available for two years for projects that will begin during the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons. This initiative is structured to flow funding and get shovels in the ground quickly.

The Province of Nova Scotia has previously announced a contribution of $10 million to this initiative. The balance of approximately $12 million is to be provided by the Town of Bridgewater, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and other partners. Total project costs are estimated at $32.37 million.

Canada and Nova Scotia are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered quickly and efficiently so that construction can begin as soon as possible.