Premier Makes Splash Announcing Sport and Recreation Facility

Lunenburg County residents will soon be swimming, running and skating their way to improved health thanks to a $10-million investment by the province.

Premier Rodney MacDonald and Health Promotion and Protection Minister Barry Barnet made the announcement today, May 6, in Bridgewater.

"One of the government's five immediate priorities is creating safer, healthy communities," said Premier MacDonald. "Today, we have taken concrete action towards helping Lunenburg County residents lead healthier, more active lives."

The $31.5-million Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre will include twin skating rinks, one six-lane, 25-metre pool, and fitness and meeting space. The centre is a joint undertaking by the Town of Bridgewater and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.

"Congratulations to the Town of Bridgewater and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg for working together to ensure their communities have access to a major sport and recreation facility," said Mr. Barnet. "Together they have set a strong example we hope others will follow."

"We can now see that the facility we so desperately need will soon become a reality," said Paul Belliveau, chair of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. "This new facility will play a major role in the health, economic, social and cultural well-being of Lunenburg County for years to come."

The province's B-FIT program will invest $50-million over 10 years in the construction of sport and recreation infrastructure. This is in addition to the $3-million invested annually in recreation facility development grants.