Community Halls and Recreation Facilities
The Community Halls and Recreation Facilities is no longer available. Please visit the Recreation Infrastructure program page
View Funding Program
In 2007, District of Kitimat received a $30,000 grant and a $1,623,563 loan from Northern Development through the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program towards this $15,212,391 project. This has been a funding partnership of District of Kitimat, Northern Development, Canada / BC Infrastructure Program, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Municipal Finance Authority, Olympic/Paralympic Live Sites, and Province of British Columbia
2012- The District of Kitimat has provided residents with new aquatic opportunities at the community’s improved pool facility, the Sam Lindsay Aquatic Centre. The major renovation project has seen investment of over $15 million into the community owned and operated facility. The pool now has a new family change room, a redesigned office area, a new steam room, a new storage area, a new leisure pool, a new kids pool, new water park toys, a new lazy river, a new water slide, and a redesigned viewing area.
The 36 year old structure was considered to be an existing but non conforming building to seceral building codes. The improved aquatic centre now conforms to all codes, and also iincorporates a state-of-the-art mechanical air handling system, new 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.
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 partnerships with the provincial and federal governments to support needed infrastructure in the community.
"I strongly recommend use of this superb facility as it offers every age group immense fun and exercise. I swim often and take part in all aqua fit lessons. I am 74 years young and fit."
Myrtle Prett, Avid User, Sam Lindsay Aquatic Centre"The retrofit of the Sam Lindsay Aquatic Centre created a large investment in the community. Approximately two-thirds of the contracts for the project were won by local firms creating many spin off effects for local business. Â The public has received the facility well with swim lessons, fitness classes and specialty classes such as scuba diving or physio swims running. Â A large contingent of seniors uses the lazy river and main swim tank for exercise, preschool and school groups take lessons and the high school gym classes work on their lifeguarding skills. The pool has seen large groups from Prince Rupert to the Nass Valley to Prince George visit while they are in community. All of this contributes to the local economy in Kitimat."
Martin Gould, Director of Recreation, District of Kitimat"Without the assistance of Northern Development, the dream of such a fabulous facility would have been harder to complete. The creation of new jobs, new opportunities and the contribution to Kitimat's goal of being a community for all has made the pool retrofit project a benefit to the whole community and the surrounding area."
Martin Gould, Director of Recreation, District of KitimatThis project is the largest capital project that the District of Kitimat has undertaken in recent memory. This major capital project has resulted in a direct injection of $15 million dollars and over twelve months of construction within the commumity. Overall, the project created between sixty and eighty years of direct employment.
A revitalized aquatic centre that will now be able to serve the region for at least twenty years will be used as an enticement supporting the District's 'Retire in Kitima' marketing campaign as well as improving local quality of life that helps retain citizens within the community. With recent decline for industry in Kitimat, the District is promoting the community as a retirement destination that offers a quiet way of life and many recreational opportunities for newly retired people.
Identified as a key component of the District of Kitimat's long-term community plan, the Sam Lindsay Aquatic Centre will contribute to the community'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.
The Community Halls and Recreation Facilities is no longer available. Please visit the Recreation Infrastructure program page
View Funding Program
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