February 28, 2003
THOMPSON, Manitoba – The Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program will provide $2.5 million to support a new regional community centre that will soon offer Thompson residents more sport and leisure opportunities, and enhance the city’s efforts to attract major events. Federal, provincial and local governments are each contributing $666,666 towards this project. The Province of Manitoba is also contributing an additional $500,000 of infrastructure funding to the project.
Premier Gary Doer and Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development), announced the funding today during visits to Thompson, Dauphin and The Pas.
"The recreational opportunities this new centre will provide will make a significant contribution to the quality of life in our northern hub city," said Doer. "We are pleased to work cooperatively with our partners through this program, and help the Thompson community realize their goal for a new recreational complex. This project is a good fit with our provincial Northern Development Strategy."
"Fostering a healthy active lifestyle is an important priority for the Government of Canada," said Owen. "Northern communities like Thompson face greater challenges when addressing this issue and thanks to the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program, all levels of government can work together to ensure recreational and social opportunities are available to all Canadians."
The proposed design of the regional community centre includes a new arena and common area featuring various concessions, a day-care centre and other revenue-generating enterprises. The new facilities will connect to the existing curling rink. Future plans include a fieldhouse that will accommodate a track, as well as courts for tennis, basketball, volleyball, squash, soccer and racquetball.
"We are very pleased about today’s announcement because it contributes towards the project and our vision for the City of Thompson as the ‘Hub of the North’," said Bill Comaskey, Mayor, City of Thompson. "We want to establish Thompson as a destination for major events like concerts, conventions and sports events. The new regional community centre will go a long way towards that goal."
While the primary focus of the program is green municipal infrastructure, recreational centres are eligible for funding under the program’s secondary focus of local infrastructure. This includes transportation, cultural and recreational projects, tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for public institutions, and affordable housing.
On October 11, 2000, the governments of Canada and Manitoba entered into a new Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program, bringing over $180 million in infrastructure opportunities to Manitoba. All projects are subject to federal and provincial environmental processes before final approval is granted.
Prior to today’s announcement, over 116 projects had already been announced representing a total investment of more than $135 million in Manitoba. For information on projects previously announced, visit the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program Web site at: http://www.infrastructure.mb.ca.
– 30 –
RETURN