A $2M outdoor recreation centre will be built in Iroquois Falls
Two companies are building a new outdoor recreation centre in the Town of Iroquois Falls – and officials are thrilled with the news.
“Especially after the last two years, recreation and focusing on healthy lifestyles for all demographics is more important than ever," said Brian Finner, director of recreational services for the Town of Iroquois Falls.
Validus Power Corporation and Tightline Construction will turn the existing Devonshire Park into a multi-faceted park. It will have a splash pad, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts and an accessible playground.
“No matter if you have money or not, it’s for everybody and that touches my heart," said Tory Delaurier, mayor of Iroquois Falls.
"Validus and Tightline Construction, they made my dream come true and our residents’ dream come true."
Children playing in the park during the announcement said they are especially excited about the splash pad.
“This might be, like, the best out of all the things I could possibly do in this town," said Elaina Kollmeita.
The Centre will be named after Leo Bechard, a former resident who happens to be the father-in-law of Validus' president and CEO Todd Shortt.
“I know it would have been very near and dear to his heart that whatever we did for the community would revolve around recreation," said Shortt.
The investment is $2 million and town officials said they are grateful to add to the quality of life in the community.
“We’re close to mines … in a quiet, safer community," said Delaurier.
"I’m not saying the other communities aren’t safe, but we’re very safe. Just travel 45 minutes to Timmins, or half an hour to Cochrane, 20 minutes to Matheson, we’re in a central location to everybody, right, and cost of living is cheap here. Our taxes aren’t that high.”
The plan is to begin construction next spring and wrap up before winter. Residents are reminded the design is a work in progress and could change.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.