Company managing Iqaluit pool project kickstarts fundraising campaign

Jen Hayward, chair of Iqaluit’s REACH Committee, which fundraises money for Iqaluit’s aquatic centre project, is shown with senior project managers Pierre Courteau and Charles Slade from MHPM, the company which will oversee the project as it progresses. (PHOTO BY PETER VARGA)

Iqaluit is that much closer to seeing its new aquatic centre built.

That’s after the company chosen by the City of Iqaluit to oversee its future aquatic centre donated $5,000 to a committee that’s started an “aggressive fundraising” campaign for the new centre.

“We have seen firsthand how communities blossom, with modern safe and recreational facilities, and we look forward to seeing Iqaluit benefit from the new aquatic centre,” said senior project manager Pierre Courteau, from MHPM project managers during the March 12 city council meeting.

“There’s a special gratification when we have the opportunity to create family friendly spaces that entire neighborhoods can enjoy.”

MHPM donated $5,000 to the committee called “REACH,” short for “Recreation, Environmental Leadership, Aquatic Centre, Community Building, Healthy Living,” which wants to raise $4 million for the aquatic centre.

“An aggressive fundraising campaign has begun. Under the banner name of REACH, it is hoped that 10 per cent of the overall cost of the swimming pool will be raised through REACH and the rest obtained through city reserves, federal and territorial funding and other programs. Personal donations are tax deductible and all contributions will be recognized,” says a new website for the committee.

Members of the committee also presented MHPM project managers Courteau and Charles Slade with a gift bag.

“On behalf of city council, gentlemen thank you very much for your donation to the REACH committee,” Mayor John Graham said.

The city’s plans for the aquatic centre include a 25-metre six-lane pool, a leisure pool, a hot tub, two saunas, three change rooms, a waterslide, a party and training room, a fitness centre, an aerobics room, a food and beverage area, an elders area and leasable space for wellness or sports-related businesses.

Last October, the ratepayers of Iqaluit said in a referendum that the City of Iqaluit could borrow up to $40-million to build the new facility.

The city announced its decision to hire MHMP to oversee the project in February.

The project is scheduled to be completed in 2016.