Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador invest in expansion of recreation complex to support Deer Lake residents

23/06/2020 07:45

DEER LAKE, NL, June 23, 2020 /CNW/ - The health and well-being of Canadians are the top priorities of the Governments of Canada, and Newfoundland and Labrador. But the COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than our personal health. It is having a profound effect on our economy.

That is why governments have been taking decisive action to support families, businesses and communities, and continue to look ahead to see what more can be done.

Strategic investments in sports and recreation facilities will play a key role in ensuring Deer Lake residents have modern facilities to support healthy lifestyles.

Today, Gudie Hutchings, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; and his Worship Dean Ball, Mayor of Deer Lake announced funding to build an annex on the Hodder Memorial Recreation Complex.

The project involves building a two-story community facility with meeting and multipurpose spaces, as well as a gym with walking track, and facilities for sports like basketball, volleyball, and indoor soccer. The annex will be connected to the existing Hodder Memorial Recreation Complex by a second level pedestrian access way. The expanded complex will be accessible thanks to a new elevator. This project will allow Deer Lake to offer more recreational and community activities for residents.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.5 million in these projects through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing over $1.5 million, while the Town of Deer Lake is contributing over $1.5 million.

This is the first in a series of important project announcements that will be made across the province over the coming weeks. We are working cooperatively to support jobs, improve our communities and build confidence as we safely and sustainably restore economic growth.

Quotes

"Investing in modern and accessible recreation infrastructure is essential to building healthy, inclusive, and resilient communities. Expanding the recreation complex in Deer Lake will support active living for residents for years to come. The project will also provide jobs as we recover from the economic effects of the pandemic. When Canada builds, Canada grows."

Gudie Hutchings, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Our government is pleased to partner with our federal and municipal partners to support this project for the people of Deer Lake and surrounding areas. Enhancements to municipal infrastructure, such as the expansion to the Deer Lake Annex, supports local employment opportunities and enables communities and businesses to benefit over the long-term."

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

"The Town of Deer Lake is excited to partner with Provincial and Federal governments in announcing the expansion of the Town of Deer Lake's Annex on the Hodder Memorial Center. This annex will provide a much needed space for programs and recreational facilities in our community and the surrounding region."

His Worship Dean Ball, Mayor of Deer Lake

Quick facts

Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
$25.3 billion of this funding is supporting social infrastructure in Canadian communities.

Associated links

Prime Minister announces support to help communities create jobs and restart the economy: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/06/01/prime-minister-announces-support-help-communities-create-jobs-and

Government of Canada Resources - Coronavirus disease (COVID 19): www.canada.ca/coronavirus

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/nl-eng.html

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html