Queens Place recreation/community centre receives design grant

“The design of Queens Place is critical to user satisfaction and the long-term viability of the facility. We are pleased to receive this support to help with the architectural costs and to ensure an energy efficient building,” said Doug Adams, Councillor and Chair of the Queens Place Committee. “Recreational facilities are now included in the federal Building Canada Fund and so we are confident that our project will be treated equitably by all levels of government.”

The April 8 announcement was made by Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister of Natural Resources on behalf of the Honourable Murray Scott, Minister of Economic and Rural Development. Minister Bolivar-Getson was accompanied by Kerry Morash, Rural Outreach Coordinator for the Premier’s Office.

The province’s previous contribution of $5-million from Building Facilities and Infrastructure Together and through the Department of Health Promotion and Protection in 2007 has also been vital to the success of this project.

Once established, Queens Place will include a 900-seat NHL size arena with walking track, aquatic centre including a 25-metre, four lane pool and therapeutic pool, fitness centre, community room and Youth Health Centre. The pre-design work by WHW Architects has been completed, and the Region is expecting the completion of the schematic phase of design by mid-April, which will provide an updated capital cost estimation and coincide with the Region’s deadline for submission to round two of the “Building Canada Fund” federal infrastructure program.