Canada 150 Funding Improves Six Community Centres for Families, Youth and Elders in the Northwest Territories

Over $1.7 Million in CanNor funding provides essential renovations and upgrades

DETTAH, NT, March 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Community centres and arenas are the hearts of small communities across Canada's North. These buildings bring people together and provide space for educational and recreational opportunities as well as for mental, social, and spiritual support services and programs. That is why the Government of Canada has invested $1,749,256 to upgrade and renovate six public facilities in communities of the Northwest Territories through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150).

The announcement was made today by Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament (Northwest Territories) on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor.

The renovated buildings include the Dettah Wellness Centre, the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre, the Fort Simpson Recreation Centre, the Hamlet of Paulatuk Community Complex, T???ch? ?eagia Ts'????l?? K? Friendship Centre and the Norman Wells Recreation Complex.

The focus of these renovations and upgrades is to extend the life of each building so they continue to be a positive part of the community for years to come. Renovations saw many infrastructure updates and increases to recreational space. Upgrades included new and more energy efficient ventilation and septic systems using freeze-resistant technology. Several centres were provided with new appliances in kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities.

These changes will improve the comfort level for users, reduce operating costs, and meet the growing demand for event and activity space in these Northwest Territories communities.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is proud to support projects that renovate and restore community and cultural spaces for northern families, youth and elders. By investing in community infrastructure, we are fostering healthier and more inclusive communities in Canada's North."

Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories

"The wellness of our members of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation is vital to the leadership and will focus its priority to serving our members. We are extremely fortunate and appreciative for the Canada 150 program to assist in renovating our wellness center. The renovation will become a focal point in our community. The wellness center serves its cultural, traditional and educational to teach the well-being of our future generation. It has brought our wellness center to the next level of comfort for our resource employees whose support has delivered the programs we provide."

Edward Sangris
Chief, Yellowknives Dene First Nation

"CanNor's funding allows us to restore our facility and continue to develop and deliver educational, recreational and training programs to all age groups. Having this opportunity enables us to better serve the people of Hay River now and in the future."

Margaret Jerome
President, Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre

"The Village of Fort Simpson is currently upgrading the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems in the Recreation Center. The funding provided by CanNor's Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will result in decreased operating costs and improve climate conditions in the facility. The upgrade to the building will benefit residents and make their time spent at the centre more enjoyable?whether it is watching their children play hockey or exercising at the gym."

Darlene Sibbeston
Mayor, Village of Fort Simpson

"With the renovations, the Hamlet Office Complex has become a much more pleasant and comfortable environment leading to improved morale among the staff and more productive working conditions. It is now an enjoyable office for both visitors and staff alike to spend time in."

Raymond Ruben Sr.
Mayor, Hamlet of Paulatuk

"By far the most daunting challenge for Friendship Centres is to find funding for infrastructure upgrades. Our building was created by attaching three residential units together in the early 1980's. Since that time, there have been no upgrades or renovations done due to lack of funding. We are extremely grateful to Canada 150 for making this funding available."

Joe Pintarics
Executive Director, T???ch? ?eagia Ts'????l?? K? Friendship Centre

"Recreation is vital to the health and wellbeing of the people of Norman Wells. Investments like this improve the quality of life of for our residents. We are delighted to be working closely with CanNor on behalf of the residents of Norman Wells and appreciate the support received through these strategic investments in community public infrastructure."

Catherine Mallon
Senior Administrative Officer, Town of Norman Wells

Quick Facts  

• The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) supported projects to renovate, expand and improve spaces such as community centres, parks and arenas across Canada as part of the Government of Canada's celebration of our country's 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.
• Each of the six public facilities will use the funding to restore their community assets differently.
• The Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) Dettah Wellness Centre received $500,000 in funding over two years which upgraded the interior exterior of the building including new insulation, accessibility improvements, electrical and mechanical systems, and installation of a commercial grade kitchen.
• The Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre used $374,500 over two years to install an efficient boiler heating system, better roof insulation, energy efficient lighting, kitchen appliances and will improves accessibility at its front entrance.
• The Village of Fort Simpson received a commitment of $300,000 from CanNor over two years to refurbish the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in the community recreation centre.
• The T???ch? ?eagia Ts'????l?? K? Friendship Centre used up to $315,000 in funding to raise, stabilize, and level the building. They also built an addition for use by the community's homeless as well as creating a community greenhouse to support food security efforts in the community. They will install a wood-pellet boiler heating system to cut the cost of heating and reduce their carbon footprint.
• The Town of Norman Wells will use up to $199,756 in funding to renovate and improve accessibility and building structure, install a new ventilation and heating system, with new bleachers, doors and heaters installed at the curling rink.
• The Hamlet of Paulatuk Complex used their $60,000 in committed funding to provide structural and aesthetic renovations including the installation of triple pane windows and improved interior and exterior lighting.

Related Products

Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150)

Associated Links  

Yellowknife and Hay River families will benefit from improved community spaces for a better quality of life

CanNor launches second phase of Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

For more information about CanNor, visit cannor.gc.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)