As part of Budget 2024 and in support of prioritizing the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a $13 million investment for a new sport and well-being dome in St. John’s.
The facility will prioritize exercise rehabilitation for acute care patients with conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, orthopaedic conditions, stroke and cancer. The program will be administered by NL Health Services and will operate out of the dome five days per week. This will enhance capacity for exercise rehabilitation in this province, aligning with the recommendations of Health Accord NL.
The new dome will also enable an expansion of training and competition facilities for provincial level athletes and teams.
In addition, the general public will be able to avail of the facility’s walking track for their own health and well-being goals. The track will provide barrier free access to anyone looking for a safe walking or running space year-round, but especially during the province’s winter months.
The building will be constructed in the metro St. John’s area; however, a location has yet to be finalized. In addition to the exercise rehabilitation program, turf and walking track, preliminary plans for the facility include office space, locker rooms, bathrooms and shower facilities.
This new facility aligns with the Provincial Government’s goal of being one of the healthiest provinces in Canada by 2031 and demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Quotes
“Our plan for this dome is to, firstly, provide a designated space for the exercise rehabilitation of acute care patients. Secondly, this facility will provide an indoor turf space for provincial level athlete training and competition. The need for a space like this in our province is great and it will provide benefits for all, including safe, practical opportunities for enjoying year-round walking, running and other forms of physical activity in a high-quality, indoor, multi-use facility.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“This new dome is a welcome addition to the NL Sports Centre and its suite of offerings for provincial team athletes. Sports that utilize grass, such as rugby, football and ultimate frisbee, will now have a provincially owned and operated turf space in which to train year-round. Of further benefit is the innovative approach to the incorporation of exercise rehabilitation to the space. It’s a win-win for our community and residents and will bring with it significant well-being benefits.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“Space for exercise rehabilitation of high-risk patients is much needed in the region. Furthermore, a dome was envisaged as phase three of the NL Sports Centre in 2007 as critical to the provision of sports facilities for turf-based sports. The dome meets both these needs.”
Dr. Pat Parfrey
Deputy Minister, Health Transformation
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Centre is extremely pleased to be a part of this announcement. This new, high-quality facility will assist greatly in helping us meet our mandate in addressing the sport development and competition needs for many of our provincial sports organizations. Our current facility is simply not able to meet the ever increasing requirements of our provincial sports organizations. Expanding our ability to meet this increase in demand is fantastic for athlete development in our province.”
Tom Godden
Chair, NL Sports Centre
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