Kitimat Officially Opens Multi-Use Recreation Facility
Apr 8, 2009
On April 4th, the District of Kitimat held the grand opening of the Sam Lindsay Aquatic Centre. This major infrastructure project has been supported by Northern Development with a $1.65 million zero interest loan and a $30,000 grant via the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities funding program.The major renovation of the pool cost close to $15 million. The pool incorporates a state-of-the-art mechanical air handling system, electrical system, and most importantly, a water system which will help to conserve water and limit the use of chlorine thereby making the water more comfortable for users. This new system is projected to reduce greenhouse gas by 442 metric tons of carbon emissions per year and reduce operating costs by consuming 8,016Gj less natural gas.
Northern Development’s $1.65 million loan for this project will return funds over the next 10 years to the District of Kitimat’s Northern Development account, allowing the community to invest in many more important initiatives in coming years and engage in further partnerships with the provincial and federal governments to support needed infrastructure in the community.
The District of Kitimat contacted Northern Development in early 2007 with this project and, like all successful community initiatives, this project is the result of strong partnerships between the District of Kitimat, Northern Development, the Province of BC, and the Federal Government of Canada. Over the course of this project, an estimated construction payroll of over $4.0 million has generated economic spin-off activities and additional revenues in both small business and local project supply companies in the District of Kitimat. Additionally, Kitimat anticipates that improvements to this facility will directly generate 9 permanent new jobs in the community.
Identified as a key component of the District of Kitimat’s long-term community plan, the Sam Lindsay Aquatic Centre will contribute to the District of Kitimat’s ability to generate local economic activity by attracting regional swim meets as well as attracting and retaining residents by supporting the great quality of life Kitimat already has to offer.
Northern Development provides a unique opportunity for both the northwest region and communities like Kitimat to have regionally-based support for identified key community economic development projects. The creation of Northern Development in 2005 by the Province of BC has provided northern BC communities with an important option to secure critical financing for major projects such as the Sam Lindsay Aquatic Centre.
>> View accompanying photos.
