Renovations to Nelson and District Community Complex Aquatic Centre complete

NELSON, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 20, 2016) - Public infrastructure connects people, supports job creation for the middle class, and helps build communities that Canadians are proud to live in. The latest infrastructure investment in the Nelson and District Community's aquatic centre is now complete, offering residents a place to gather, keep active and strengthen their sense of community.

Constructed in the early 1970s, the centre was in need of a significant overhaul. Support from the federal Gas Tax Fund allowed the community to make major renovations including structural changes, new additions to the pool, as well as important mechanical and air system upgrades.

The Government of Canada contributed almost $4.6 million to this project through the federal Gas Tax Fund, while the Regional District of Central Kootenay contributed $1.3 million. This investment has resulted in a modern facility that will increase safety, encourage healthy living, and extend the life of the centre by 40 years.

Quotes

"The federal Gas Tax Fund enables communities in B.C., and all across Canada, to make informed decisions about their infrastructure investments, as they are best positioned to identify their specific needs. This project not only provides Nelson residents with a high class facility, but also a gathering place they can be proud of, where memories can be built and healthy lifestyles can be fostered for many years to come."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The completion of the Nelson and District Community Complex Aquatic Centre is a great example of how all levels of government, with the leadership of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, are stronger together when we work in partnership. Investments through the Gas Tax Fund help meet the needs of infrastructure projects throughout the province, contributing to enhanced amenities and improved health, safety and quality of life for all British Columbians. Congratulations to the Regional District of Central Kootenay on the re-opening of this essential facility."

The Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

"The renewed aquatic centre will support community health outcomes and provide a vital hub that connects residents from across the region. The Government of Canada's ongoing funding commitment to community infrastructure is accelerating replacement and upgrading in B.C. communities."

Murry Krause, President, Union of B.C. Municipalities

"The Regional District of Central Kootenay is tremendously grateful to the Government of Canada for this funding, which has enabled us to upgrade what is a vital aspect of our community. The Nelson and District Community Complex serves visitors of all ages and contributes to the health and well-being of our citizens."

Valerie Warmington, Chair, Nelson and District Recreation Commission, Regional District of Central Kootenay

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada provides $265,941,000 in annual funding for municipal infrastructure in British Columbia through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
• The federal Gas Tax Fund provides Canadian municipalities with a permanent, predictable and indexed source of long-term funding.
• It offers local communities the flexibility to make strategic investments across 18 different project categories, including roads and bridges, public transit, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and recreational facilities.
• The Union of British Columbia Municipalities administers the Gas Tax Fund in B.C., in collaboration with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Associated links

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $120-billion infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/index-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/bc-eng.html

Federal Gas Tax Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gtf-fte-eng.html

New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html

To learn more about the Regional District of Central Kootenay, visit: www.rdck.ca

Infrastructure Canada

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Web: Infrastructure Canada