Grand Falls-Windsor eyes new community centre to replace aging venues

The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor has plans for a new community centre to replace aging recreation venues in the central Newfoundland community— a move they hope will revitalize the region.

Mayor Barry Manuel said Wednesday the town estimates the project will cost around $90 million. That money would pay to build two ice surfaces — with a main arena for seating between 1,000 and 1,500 people — an aquatic centre with a six-lane regulation pool, a fitness centre, gymnasium and walking track.

"We feel like it's something that obviously is needed, and something that we can make happen over the next number of years," Manuel told CBC Radio's Newfoundland Morning.

The town is eyeing a 31-acre site off Scott Avenue adjacent to the Trans-Canada Highway, but the town's website says they'll need to confirm that site through land assessments and a full design phase.

The town has been exploring preliminary funding and cost-sharing the project with the provincial government, Manuel said, adding council believes the town would have to pay between 25 and 30 per cent of the cost of the project.

Manuel said the town is exploring ways to find new uses for it current facilities should they decided to move ahead with building a new community centre. However, operating the older facilities can drive up costs.

The town's main arena, the Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium, first opened in 1948, and the town's YMCA pool has been operating since the 1970s.

"These facilities are only going to last so much longer. So we can't be left without," he said.

Manuel hopes a new centre would also attract professionals to the region — specifically health care workers.

"This would presumably be a regional facility and a destination. You know, we've got a growing industry sector here in central Newfoundland ... but we have professionals moving in here pretty much daily, and companies who are looking for employees," Manuel said.

"This is something that also will act as a draw for professionals, and you know, stand for economic growth. And be something, obviously, for the wellness and quality of life for citizens."

The town's website estimates construction would take just over six years, and would only begin once they've secured all funding and finished detailed planning.

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