Jim Hillyer, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, and Rajko Dodic, Mayor of Lethbridge, announced today that thanks to support from the federal government, construction will soon begin on the first phase of the West Lethbridge recreation campus.
“Our Government is proud to invest in recreational infrastructure projects that strengthen communities by bringing families and friends together,” said MP Hillyer, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “This investment will create local jobs and economic growth, and provide great new facilities to serve this community for many years to come.”
“We’re grateful for the generous support of the Government of Canada,” said Mayor Dodic. “As a result, our community will enjoy not only a new twin-ice arena, but also a new curling facility. This new facility will greatly enhance recreational opportunities for our residents and our city.”
The project involves the construction of a new twin arena. The facility will include two regulation-sized ice surfaces and seating for 900 spectators. The curling rink project will include ten sheets of curling ice, lounge, and parking.
The new arena will increase available ice time in Lethbridge and will also serve as the activity centre for ice-related tournaments and events in the community. The curling rink will replace the existing 63-year-old facility located in downtown Lethbridge.
The Government of Canada has committed up to $10 million under the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component. The City of Lethbridge is responsible for all other costs. The total project cost is estimated at $39,850,000. Federal funding for this project is conditional on the signing of a contribution agreement and the successful conclusion of an environmental assessment.
For more information on the Building Canada Plan, and on investments in Lethbridge and in Alberta by Infrastructure Canada, please visit
www.infrastructure.gc.ca.