NEWS RELEASE

Local Councillors Delighted with Today's Funding Announcement for Mainland Common Centre

 

(Wednesday, August 6, 2008) Councillor Debbie Hum, Rockingham-Wentworth, Councillor Mary Wile, Clayton Park West and Councillor Russell Walker, Fairview-Clayton Park are delighted with today's announcement of funding from the Federal and Provincial governments for the Mainland Common Centre.

"After years of planning, it is now time to start the construction of the long awaited state-of-the- art centre which will be a wonderful addition to the community and one of the finest of its kind in the country," said Councillor Wile. "We have waited for this day for a very long time."

Almost two decades ago, the land for the Mainland Common Centre was acquired by the former City of Halifax to provide for the recreation needs of the Clayton Park community and surrounding areas. Since that time, a number of much needed public facilities have been located here, including the Halifax West High School, a double all weather field, a new library, an indoor soccer facility, as well as, softball and baseball fields, volleyball and trails.

When completed, this major new complex will include : a field house with 4 full sized gymnasiums, an indoor 200 meter track, an aquatic centre with a 25 meter competition pool, as well as, a leisure pool, a fitness centre, community centre with meetings rooms, youth centre, café, arts room, and other support services space. The building will meet a LEED Silver standard.

Set to open in advance of the 2011 Canada Winter Games, the facility will be the Canada Games showcase venue for synchronized swimming, artistic gymnastics and badminton.

"The facility will open up a whole new world of opportunity for all those who use it," said Councillor Hum. "It will provide a place for the development of local athletes and a centre for high performance sport, community wellness and active living programs."

The three Councillors wish to thank all the many individuals and volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the past many years to define a plan for a new community centre. "It involved a lot of hard work on the part of many to make today a reality, " they said.

"We also want to thank the Provincial Government and the Government of Canada for recognizing the importance of this project through their funding contributions," said Councillor Walker. "It is because of the support, teamwork, and cooperation from all levels of Government that we are able to bring this plan forward."

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Contact:
Councillor Russell Walker; Councillor Mary Wile
District 15, Fairview-Clayton Park; District 10, Clayton Park West
497-7215; 476-2048

Councillor Debbie Hum
District 16, Rockingham-Wentworth
476-7212