John Ollie Complex Gets a Facelift

Upgrades will improve energy efficiency and modernize equipment

ARVIAT, NU, Dec. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced $200,000 to renovate the John Ollie Complex in Arviat, Nunavut. The Complex provides year-round recreational, cultural, and fitness activities. These improvements will help better serve the needs of the community's residents while extending the building's life.

The renovations, funded through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, will improve the energy efficiency of the building and modernize its equipment. Upgrades include replacing lighting with a high-efficiency LED system, expanding the entrance to reduce heat loss and improve safety, washroom improvements, and adding an indoor climbing wall.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is pleased to support improvements to the John Ollie Complex in the Hamlet of Arviat through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The upgrades, while marking Canada's 150th anniversary, will also provide residents with a safer, more efficient, and healthier building to use, which will serve the community for years to come."  

Navdeep Bains
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

"The John Ollie Complex is the main community space in Arviat. Many things happen there - from feasts and festivals to public meetings to square dances. Because of constant use, the building is showing its age, and it is important to the community that we keep the Complex functional and comfortable for its many users. The Hamlet of Arviat would like to thank CanNor for their support, which will help us keep the John Ollie Complex in serviceable condition for the community."

Bob Leonard
Mayor of Arviat 

Quick Facts

• CanNor contributed $200,000 to the renovation with the Hamlet of Arviat providing an additional $75,000 for a total of $275,000.
• As outlined in Budget 2016, an additional $150 million will be provided over two years for CIP 150, bringing the total funding available to $300 million across the country. The program supports 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 the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. CIP 150 is delivered by CanNor in the North.

Associated Links  

Increasing the availability of recreational activities in Arviat

Upgrades Improve Kugluktuk Arena Complex

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

SOURCE Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)

For further information: Office of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, 343-291-2500; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Craig Welsh, Communications Advisor, Nunavut Region, 867-667-3210; Hamlet of Arviat, Bob Leonard, Mayor of Arviat, 867-857-2841