New aquatic centre coming to Yellowknife

YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES--(Marketwired - Nov. 17, 2016) - All Canadians deserve to live in healthy and vibrant communities where they can connect and participate in physical activities year round. The governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories are committed to supporting recreational infrastructure, like the Yellowknife aquatic centre, that will enrich residents' lives, build stronger ties in the community, and provide families with a place to exercise, learn, and play.

Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Caroline Cochrane, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, today announced $12.9 million in federal funding for the Yellowknife aquatic centre under the Government of Canada's Small Communities Fund.

The new aquatic centre will greatly improve access to aquatic activities for families and seniors from across the region. It will also provide new athletic, social and competitive programming, while ensuring that the city remains a vibrant and healthy community for generations to come.

Quotes

"Public infrastructure connects people, supports job creation and boosts economic development. This is why the Government of Canada is providing unprecedented funding for infrastructure projects that will help grow the middle class, create healthy communities for our children and promote sustainable development and long-term prosperity for Canadian families. I look forward to seeing this project completed for everyone in Yellowknife and across the region to enjoy."

- Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories

On behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"This significant investment to support the construction of a new aquatic centre for residents of the City of Yellowknife demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment through the Small Communities Fund Recreation Infrastructure Category, to encourage physical activity and improve the quality of life for residents. This new facility comes at an opportune time as it will benefit families, seniors, residents, local athletes and visitors to the City for years to come, providing a modern facility for the community to come together."

- he Honourable Caroline Cochrane, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

"The federal funding enables the City to consult with our residents to build an aquatic centre designed for Yellowknife. This is a great opportunity to improve our community infrastructure, reducing waiting times for access to the facility, increase services and programs offered to all segments of our population, from children to seniors, and overall create an enjoyable experience."

- Mark Heyck, Mayor of Yellowknife

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years to support public transit, green and social infrastructure, transportation infrastructure that supports trade, and rural and northern communities.
• The Government of Canada will provide up to $12.9 million through the Small Communities Fund for this project.
• The City of Yellowknife will contribute the remainder of the project cost.
• Total eligible project costs are $30 million.

Associated Links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan

Federal infrastructure investments in the Northwest Territories

Small Communities Fund

New Building Canada Plan

Department of Municipal and Community Affairs - Small Communities Fund

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada