A part of this news release was originally published on May 9 by the Province of Manitoba. Read the original release here: https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=54377&posted=2022-05-09
The Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba recognize the important role recreation facilities play in our communities. Investments to build and upgrade community and recreation infrastructure help Manitobans access the services and networks they need to stay connected, share experiences, and build healthy, inclusive, and vibrant communities.
Today, the Honourable Reg Helwer, Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services, Her Worship Colleen Smook, Mayor of Thompson, and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, announced funding to build a new aquatic facility in the City of Thompson.
This new facility will replace Norplex Pool, which closed in 2019, and will provide the residents of Thompson and the surrounding area with a modern and larger multi-use venue. The facility will consist of two tank pools, including a six-lane pool and another pool featuring a shallow end with beach entry and splash pad. The facility will also include a sauna and space for small gatherings and meetings.
The Government of Canada is investing up to $6 million in this project through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream. The Government of Manitoba is funding up to $5 million, and the City of Thompson is contributing approximately $4 million towards eligible costs for the project.
“In collaboration with provincial and municipal partners, our Government invests in infrastructure that help create healthy and inclusive communities. The new City of Thompson Aquatic Facility will make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and continue to make Thompson a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“Our government understands the need to invest in critical infrastructure improvements, and our investment in this aquatic facility will help stimulate the economy in Thompson as well as support northern communities as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This fine new facility will also improve the quality of life for residents of the Thompson area by providing access to recreation for well-being, which is critical to the creation of healthy communities.”
The Honourable Reg Helwer, Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services
“A pool in Thompson is not just for Thompson; it is a regional facility for more than 50,000 people who live and work across northern Manitoba, and we are grateful for the support from our partners in securing this funding. Northerners need a fun and safe way to stay active in the winter, and to learn to respect our waterways. Pools like these also bring our region together, and this announcement is amazing news for the north as a whole.”
Her Worship Colleen Smook, Mayor of Thompson
Quick facts
- The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program is providing $33.5 billion over 11 years for public infrastructure across Canada. Under this program, provinces and territories prioritize and submit projects to Infrastructure Canada for review. To date, the program has approved more than $20 billion for over 4,500 projects in communities across the country.
- Over the last three years, $672,485,271 in federal funding has been approved for 97 infrastructure projects in Manitoba, including 14 community, culture and recreation projects.
- In Manitoba, the Government of Canada has invested more than $945 million in over 229 infrastructure projects since 2015.
Pool Plans On Display At 102.9 CHTM Trade Show
Mayor, Council, and City staff were at the 102.9 CHTM Trade Show last weekend showing off the latest renderings and overviews of the Thompson Aquatic Centre plans, and you can check them out here below!
The pool will be build next to the TRCC as a separate building where the running track and football field are currently (they will be relocated at a future date). The separate building helps avoid complications with construction and integration with the existing TRCC.
The pool will have similar features to the old Norplex Pool: a 6-lane competition swimming pool, a shallow pool for learning to swim, a water slide, sauna, and multi-purpose room for birthdays and events. The tanks will be separate, so any unfortunate “foulings” will be isolated to one area of the pool.
The tanks will include accessibility ramps to allow pool users who have trouble with stairs and ladders to access the pool easily, critical for programs like physiotherapy and aquacize.
The water slide will have its own dedicated run-out, to ensure kids don’t run into other pool users while exiting the slide.
Associated links
Federal infrastructure investments in Manitoba
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-mb-eng.html
Community, Culture and Recreational Infrastructure, an ICIP Component of IICP
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-pic-INFC-eng.html
Rural Opportunity, National Prosperity: An Economic Development Strategy for Rural Canada
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/rural/strat-eng.html
Government of Manitoba: Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program
www.gov.mb.ca/ICIP
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