Construction Starts at Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre

Sports, culture and recreation will soon have a new home in Bridgewater thanks to the construction of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre.

MLA Gary Ramey, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald and MP Gerald Keddy today, Aug. 25, broke ground on the centre. The centre will provide families in Lunenburg County with access to high-quality community facilities.

"Investing in this facility is an investment into the health and well-being of the residents of Lunenburg County," said Mr. Ramey. "Physical activity levels and sport facility infrastructure go hand in hand. That's why this investment will ensure residents have the means to get fit, get healthy and have fun."

"This new facility will offer countless opportunities for local residents to get active and participate in community events," said Mr. Keddy. "Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure, such as the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre, and to contribute to building strong, sustainable and healthy communities."

The Town of Bridgewater and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg have been working together to see the project realized. Mayor Don Downe, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, and Mayor Carroll Publicover, Town of Bridgewater, are happy to see the project begin.

Paul Belliveau, chair of the volunteer Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre Society, said residents are excited about what the facility will do for the region.

"The community will now have a facility for their use and enjoyment, making a major contribution to maintaining and improving the quality of life on the South Shore."

The Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre will be a year-round sport, recreational and cultural facility. The project involves the construction of an ice pad with fixed seating for more than 1,000 spectators. The facility will also include an aquatic centre accommodating leisure and competitive users, a therapy pool, a public library and other multi-purpose spaces, including administrative offices, community and cultural spaces and areas capable of hosting meetings, high tech training sessions, exercise classes, senior citizens' activities and many other functions.

The province, through the Department of Health and Wellness, committed $10-million toward the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The government of Canada provided up to one-third of the eligible costs to a maximum contribution of $10.35-million. The Municipality of Lunenburg and the Town of Bridgewater also contributed a total of $8.85-million, with the remainder of the funds coming from grants, foundations and community fundraising.

Canada and Nova Scotia are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve infrastructure.