Construction begins on Canada's Sports Hall of Fame

February 10, 2010

Project will create jobs, boost local economy

Canada's Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Jim Prentice and Deputy Mayor Linda Fox-Mellway participated in an event today to commemorate the groundbreaking for the new Canada's Sports Hall of Fame facility in Calgary, Alberta, thanks to a joint federal-provincial-municipal investment. Alberta's Minister of Culture and Community Spirit, Lindsay Blackett, along with Mayor Dave Bronconnier, are also delighted to see this important infrastructure project get underway.

"Our Government is pleased to be part of a project that will benefit Albertans and all Canadians while promoting sport activities that improve our health, celebrate our country's successes, and strengthen our communities," said Minister Prentice. "As we enter the second phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan, our priority will be to continue its rapid implementation with projects such as this. At the same time, we are planning for deficit reduction once the economy has recovered, and we are building a strong foundation for job creation and economic growth."

"The Government of Alberta is proud to be a major contributing partner to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame," said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. "This facility will be an enduring source of pride for Canadians and a wonderful attraction for international visitors. It will instil in our younger generation a respect for Canada's many sporting achievements and inspire their own dreams of sporting excellence."

"As the new home for Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, Calgary is proud to be adding to our tradition to recognize excellence," said Deputy Mayor Fox-Mellway on behalf of Mayor Bronconnier. "The Hall will provide a place to share the stories of Canada's sports legends and honour their accomplishments, to inspire others in achieving their goals and dreams and to build upon our strong sport legacy as a community and a country."

The Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary are together providing $30 million to support the construction of the Sports Hall of Fame. The federal contribution is $15 million and the Province of Alberta is providing $10 million. The remaining $5 million is being provided by the City of Calgary.

This 40,000-square-foot venue will highlight the compelling stories of outstanding achievements in Canadian sports history. Exhibits will combine our cherished sports heritage with innovative interactive technologies to bring the stories of our great Canadian heroes to life.

"Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is most appreciative of the financial commitment it has received from the City of Calgary, the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada for the building of this national icon," said Robert Hamilton, Governor of the Hall and Chair of the Building Campaign. "The new Sports Hall will be a central location where we can all gather to learn, be educated, be entertained and most importantly, be inspired."

Federal funding comes from the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, which provides funding to provincial, territorial, municipal and community construction-ready infrastructure projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011. The project is expected to have a significant economic impact in Calgary and will promote tourism in the city.

Provincial funding of up to $10 million, announced in 2009, comes in part from the Major Community Facilities Program. The Major Community Facilities Program was a two-year,
$280-million lottery-funded program that helped municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and Aboriginal communities plan, upgrade or build major public-use facilities to enhance community life.