NEWS RELEASE
Mainland Common Centre - Ground Breaking
(Wednesday, December 17, 2008) - The three levels of Government and community came together today to celebrate the official ground breaking for the Mainland Common Centre. "We are pleased to finally break ground and begin construction on the $40.5 million Mainland Common Centre", said Mayor Peter Kelly. "This centre will be a focal point for both elite sport and recreation for all residents of our Region. Infrastructure development is a priority for the Municipality as it has far reaching benefits for residents in our community."
Representatives from both the Provincial and Federal Governments were on hand to participate in the ground breaking and to show their support for this initiative. "This is a great day for Nova Scotians, a facility of this calibre will encourage more citizens to live healthy and active lives contributing to the overall health and wellness of the region" stated Minister Barry Barnet.
"Investing in infrastructure provides communities with long-term, stable and predictable infrastructure funding, new jobs and a strong local economic boost," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, on behalf of John Baird, Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister. "Our Government is committed to working with our provincial partners to find ways to approve projects faster so construction managers can get their shovels in the ground, just like we are doing today at the Mainland Common."
As per the funding announcement made in August 2008, the federal government will provide up to $12 million through its Building Canada agreement with Nova Scotia. The province will invest $12 million towards the centre.
The Mainland Common Centre will be a key venue for the 2011 Canada Winter Games. The Centre is slated to host three sports - synchronized swimming, badminton, and artistic gymnastics. Jean-Paul Deveau, Chair, Halifax 2011 Canada Games Board of Directors said, "Today's ground breaking is an important milestone for the Games, the Mainland Common Centre will be a great showpiece for the 2011 Games. We'll be able to welcome athletes, fans, and officials into a brand new, state-of-the-art facility that will have a great legacy long after the Games."
When completed, this 176,000 square-foot complex will include: a field house with 3 full sized gymnasiums; an indoor 200 metre track; an aquatic centre with a 25 metre - 8 lane competition pool, leisure pool, toddler pool, 2 slides and a hydrotherapy pool; a fitness centre; community centre with meeting rooms; youth centre; café; arts room; and other support services space.
With its innovative, environmentally friendly technologies and practices, facility managers will apply for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver designation. Innovations will include a geothermal well system for earth source heat/cooling, energy saving lighting technologies, and the use of recycled and local materials.
For more background information on the project visit www.halifax.ca/mainlandcommon
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Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly
Halifax Regional Municipality
902-490-4010
Deanna Wilmshurst
HRM Infrastructure and Asset Management
Phone: 902-490-1454
Cell: 902-476-7602
