NEWS RELEASE
Prospect Road Community Centre - Grand Opening
(Saturday, June 19, 2010) Residents of Prospect Road and area now have an innovative new “green” community centre.
The official opening of the $8.5-million Prospect Road Community Centre took place today (June 19). At the event, Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Peter Kelly drew attention to the use of geothermal energy in the new complex which will help reduce its carbon footprint and operating costs.
“This landmark addition to the community has been built to exacting international environmental standards,” said Mayor Kelly. “Its green features include a geothermal well system for earth-source heating and cooling, energy-saving lighting technologies, and the use of recycled and local materials.”
The 22,720-sq. ft. centre was paid for by all three levels of government and local residents themselves. HRM contributed $3.5 million, along with $2.4 million received from an area rate. Through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure (MRIF) Program, the Federal Government and the Province of Nova Scotia each invested $1 million. A total of $343,000 was raised through community fundraising efforts and an additional $250,000 came from the provincial B-FIT Program.
The complex includes a full sized gymnasium; a fitness centre; community centre with meeting rooms, a café and kitchen, as well as an arts room and space for other support services.
Mayor Kelly applauded what he described as the community vision and effort which had inspired the project. “This is an excellent example of the power of volunteers and community,” he said. “It is due to the persistence, strong grassroots support and sheer determination of this community that we are having this grand opening today.”
District 22 Councillor Reg Rankin praised the hours put in by the Steering Committee Chair, Barb Allen, her steering committee and countless volunteers. “They are wonderful examples of how communities can work with Municipal Government to achieve greatness.”
Councillor Rankin invited everyone in the neighbourhood to participate in the recreational opportunities this new facility presents. “I hope everyone, young and old, will be able to meet here and have some fun. This facility has truly has been designed to be a place for everyone.”
The centre is expected to become a community focal point, providing a gathering spot and recreational space for residents of Prospect Road and surrounding area. Its presence will contribute to the overall health and wellness of the region by encouraging more citizens to live healthy and active lives.
“Our Government is proud to have joined with the Province of Nova Scotia and the HRM, and the community’s local fundraising, in helping bring this important project home,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Now families, individuals and local groups have a gathering place that reflects the character and energy of the community.”
“The Prospect Road Community Centre is a great example of all three levels of government working together to help make life better for Nova Scotia families," said Hon. Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, on behalf of Ramona Jennex, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. “Having access to recreational facilities not only promotes healthy activities and lifestyles today, it will help make life better for generations to come.”
For more information or to register for summer programs visit http://centre.prospectcommunities.com/
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Contact:
Mayor Peter Kelly
Halifax Regional Municipality
902-490-4010
Councillor Reg Rankin
District 22 - Timberlea-Prospect
902-499-3744
Deanna Wilmshurst, Information Officer
HRM Infrastructure and Asset Management
902-490-1454 or 902-219-3053
