11th Council Releases Wellness Centre Report
For Immediate Release
June 17, 2014 – The 11th Council of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay today released a report as part of its plans to establish a multi-use wellness centre in the community. The report, “Facilities Audit, Redevelopment Scenarios and Financial Analysis for Municipal Wellness Infrastructure Projects in the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay”, was completed by Sheppard Case Architects Inc. (now known as LAT 49 Architecture Inc.), and provides a number of recommendations, including replacing existing recreational infrastructure.
“After months of building audits, stakeholder consultations and meetings with our prime consultant, it is apparently clear that our existing recreational infrastructure has outlived its usefulness. Modern multi-use infrastructure that our community can be proud of is a foremost priority for the 11th Council, and this study sets a path forward for new development in our community. Since commissioning the report, the Council has been working with all levels of Government to raise awareness of the priorities that maintain our vision of community wellness.”
– His Worship the Mayor, Jamie Snook
The findings of the report discuss the current state of our recreation facilities and reaffirms the need for a centrally-located modern, accessible, environmentally friendly, and multi-use wellness centre facility in the community. It highlights concerns with current infrastructure and recommends path forward that justifies the costs associated with new facility.
QUICK FACTS
The 11th Council commissioned the report in January 2014 after meetings with the Provincial Government and local representatives from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) office.
The report, which represents the first of three phases in the process to seeing a new multi-use wellness centre in the community, was cost shared with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
The report clearly identifies serious structural and other concerning issues with current recreational facilities in the community, including the E.J. Broomfield Memorial Arena, the Labrador Training Centre and the Goose Bay Curling Club building.
To date, copies of the report have been shared with the ACOA and across provincial government departments.
In addition to this report, the Council has already engaged in negotiations with LAT 49 Architecture Inc. for Phase 2 of the feasibility process for a new wellness centre.
For more information, or to obtain a copy of the report, please contact:
Shaun MacLean
Director Community Services and Recreation
Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay
709-896-8542