THOMPSON, MB – The planned new aquatic centre in Thompson got a cash injection from the provincial government July 31.

 

The City of Thompson is receiving $1 million toward the cost of a new pool from the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan said in a news release on Monday.

 

“Investing in the spaces that Manitobans and their families use and enjoy is how we build stronger communities,” said Stefanson, referring to over 500 projects that are receiving $50 million in funding combined province-wide. “This historic investment will have a lasting impact for generations, creating a positive contribution that supports the health and well-being of our communities, while continuing to make Manitoba a prosperous place to live.”

Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook said the additional funding for a new pool is welcome.

“The cost to build a new pool comparable to the Norplex Pool is substantial,” she said. “An additional million dollars for a new aquatic facility is a million dollars that doesn’t have to be obtained through fundraising, borrowing or raising property taxes. The amount we need is $1 million less today thanks to this grant.”

 

The aquatic facility funding comes from the fund’s Large Capital Grants Program, which provided $34.6 million to 42 projects in the province. Another $14.7 million is going to 344 projects through the Small Capital Grants and Special Initiatives Program.

 

“These spaces are where families gather, relationships are built, and communities flourish,” said Khan. “The ACSC Fund allows communities to focus on the priorities they know will make a difference for years to come, and our government is proud to support.”

 

Thompson has previously secured $11 million in funding for the new aquatic centre from the federal and provincial governments via the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which requires a contribution of at least $4 million from the city. Vale Manitoba Operations has also pledged $2 million for a new aquatic centre to replace the Norplex Pool, closed down for safety reasons in early 2019.

The city’s request for proposals for the construction of a new aquatic facility closed in late May, at which time staff began reviewing submissions. Technical evaluations of the bids have been completed, and city staff are working through the financial evaluation. Once that is complete, budget allocation and borrowing by-law development will begin.

 

A design and engineering study by Stantec recommended that the new aquatic centre should be built on land adjacent to the Thompson Regional Community Centre. Features of the pool design include a waterslide, a six-lane 25-metre accessible pool with one accessible lane, a beach-entry recreational pool, a sauna and a multi-purpose room for parties and swim meets.