NEWS RELEASE

OPENING OF AQUATIC CENTRE

JANUARY 26, 2017 - (IQALUIT, ) - Iqaluit Mayor , Deputy Mayor Romeyn Stevenson, Councillor Simon Nattaq, the Honourable Hunter Tootoo, the Honourable Dennis Patterson, The Honourable Joe Savikataaq, as well as all City Councillors officially opened the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre today at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on the front steps of this multi- purpose facility.

“The opening of the Aquatic Centre is a major milestone for Iqaluit and for Nunavut,” said Mayor Redfern. “This facility, which is the only one of its kind in the territory, will provide economic and social benefits to not only residents of Iqaluit, but to all Nunavummuit.”

Housing a 25-metre lap pool, leisure pool, multi-purpose room, elders room, public fitness centre, fitness studio, as well as a food and beverage area, the Aquatic Centre was completed on-time and well within the $40 million budget originally approved.

“The Government of Canada is proud to have supported the construction of the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre – a key piece of infrastructure that will have a big, positive impact on the community,” said the Honourable , Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “I am glad to know that this facility will help ensure that the people of Iqaluit of all ages will have better access to vital recreational programs, as well as a place to gather and strengthen their sense of community.”

“I’m very pleased that the Government of Nunavut was able to provide funding to increase sport and wellness options in our capital for all Nunavummiut,” said Nunavut Minister of Community and Government Services Joe Savikataaq. “I look forward to seeing the long-term benefits to our citizens.”

Construction for the Centre began in April 2015, after extensive public consultations confirmed that local residents wanted to replace a municipal pool that had closed in 2011, and were willing to support the financial commitments.

While the original budget for the project was estimated at $40.6 million, actual costs have been lower. Reduced expenditures can be attributed to assets supplied by the City, such as the land. Additional financial support received by the City includes $4 million from the Federal Government’s Small Communities Fund, in addition to a $7.5 million loan and up to $750 thousand grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund.

The City is also committed to ensuring that all residents have access to the many features the Centre has to offer. Today’s opening followed a REACH fund-raising event that was held at the Aquatic Centre last night, where more than $18 thousand was raised to help provide fee-assistance to under-privileged families. The City is also examining additional programs to ensure all residents are able to access this new family-oriented facility.

To help Iqaluit residents celebrate the opening, admission to all facilities is free January 26 and 27, 2017. Regular fees and programming begin Saturday, January 28, 2017.

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For additional information, please contact:

Andrea Spitzer Communications City of Iqaluit Email: [email protected]