Inauguration of new sports and recreation facilities at Bishop's University

A Canada-Quebec investment of over $26 million

SHERBROOKE, QC, Feb. 6, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - At the inauguration of the new facilities at the John H. Price Sports and Recreation Centre at Bishop's University, Senator Larry Smith, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, together with Guy Hardy, Member of the National Assembly for Saint‑François, on behalf of Pierre Moreau, Quebec Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, took the opportunity to recall the $26-million investment provided under the Major Projects component of the Building Canada Fund-Quebec.

"Our government understands that recreation, health and sports centres are essential to Canadian communities. That is why we are pleased to have invested together in Bishop's University's sports and recreation centre. This important facility will provide many advantages for university students and Sherbrooke residents for years to come," said Senator Smith.

"I am very proud to be attending the inauguration of Bishop's University's new John H. Price facilities. The support provided by our government to modernize and expand the multi-sport and health centre will enable it to better meet the needs of the university community and the population of the City of Sherbrooke," added MNA Hardy.

Built in 1975, the John H. Price Centre needed renovation and additional space so that all sports, recreation and health services could be brought together under the same roof. The main work carried out involved expansion of the centre to create a double gymnasium with a mezzanine, construction of a new 800-seat arena and building linking the arena to the sports centre, which houses a food court, administrative offices and four classrooms.

In addition, the existing sports venues were updated to create spaces including: training rooms, an expanded weight room, a reception room with kitchen, and change rooms.  The health and wellness offices were also renovated.

Quick facts

• The eligible cost of carrying out the project had been set at $29.5 million. The governments of Canada and Quebec each contributed $13.25 million and the City of Sherbrooke provided financial assistance of $3 million.
• The federal and provincial funding was provided under the Major Projects component of the Building Canada Fund-Quebec, which funds public infrastructure with a national or regional impact.

Associated Links

To learn more about the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund, go to www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcf-fcc-eng.html.

To find out more about investment in infrastructure in your region, go to: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/regions/regions-eng.html.

To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada's Economic Action Plan at: www.plandaction.gc.ca.

For more information on the Major Projects component of the Building Canada Fund-Quebec, please visit: www.mamrot.gouv.qc.ca/infrastructures/programmes-daide-financiere/fonds-chantiers-canada-quebec-fccq/

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre des Affaires municipales et de l'Occupation du territoire

For further information: Vincent Rabault, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, 613 943-1838; Catherine Poulin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, 418 691-2050; Émilie Lord, Communications Branch, Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, 418 691-2015, Extension 3242; Infrastructure Canada, 613 960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [e-mail], Follow us on Twitter at @INFC_eng; Vincent Talbot, Political Attaché, Office of the Member of the National Assembly for Saint-François, 819 565-3667