A new recreational centre is on its way for residents of Prescott and surrounding areas.
On Wednesday, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna was joined by MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Steve Clark, MP for Bay of Quinte Neil Ellis, and Prescott Mayor Brett Todd to announce joint-funding of $14.5 million dollars for a multi-use centre in Prescott.
For the project, the Federal government is contributing $5.3 million, Ontario’s contribution is $4.4 million dollars, while Prescott is contributing $3.5 million.
Minister McKenna says this investment highlights how important recreation centres are to maintaining our physical, mental and social health.
“This will be a place where residents can play sports, maintain healthy lifestyles and partake in recreational programs for years to come,” McKenna said. “Also, I heard there wasn’t a rink for a while so I know this would be something that can make a real difference. I imagine that folks are really excited about this new facility.”
The all-year, multi-use recreational complex will include an indoor single ice pad surface with seating capacity of 800 on both sides, a walking track, outdoor softball and soccer fields, and a skate park.
McKenna says every taxpayer dollar invested into projects like these needs to have multiple benefits.
“It needs to create immediate jobs, which this will do, it has to create economic growth, which I know this will also do, and it also has to improve the quality of life for people in the community. So, this is a great example of getting triple benefits from every single dollar invested,” McKenna said.
The announcement also provides residents of Prescott and surrounding areas with a new community focal point.
MPP Clark was on hand on behalf of Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, Laurie Scott.
He says the centre will provide a place for many activities and gatherings, and contribute to a healthy community.
“And this new ice pad is going to be a significant upgrade from the Leo Boivin Arena,” Clark said. I have to let everyone know, I did call our riding’s hockey hall of famer, Leo Boivin just prior to this announcement to give him the good news, and Leo was thrilled.”
Mayor Brett Todd says they’re hoping to have shovels in the ground for July, with the date for completion still to be determined.
However, Todd says he is hopeful it will be completed in early 2023.
