By Mark Squibb
Mount Pearl council this week awarded a $15.5 million (plus HST) design-build contract to JMJ Holdings Ltd., for construction of a new community centre at the Team Gushue Sports Complex.
The building will span 24,500 square feet and boast such amenities as a splash pad that can be transformed into an outdoor ice rink during the winter months, and a multi-purpose space complete with stage and retractable bleachers. The centre will offer a seating capacity of 500 and standing room for approximately 1,000 people.
The need for a new community centre was first proposed in the City’s 2019 Recreation Master Plan, and the centre itself was first announced in July 2021. The provincial government allotted $3.6 million for the building in November last year.
Councillor Bill Antle said he was proud and pleased to bring forward the recommendation to award the contract.
“It’s a proud day here in the City of Mount Pearl,” said Antle. “We’ve been looking at this for a long, long time… This building is a replacement for our Park Place Community Centre which was slated for replacement in 2014 after a condition assessment which outlined many, many issues, such as accessibility, limited parking space, our HVAC system, our electrical system, and other conditions, and so we certainly needed to replace Park Place.”
Each councillor took a moment to speak about the need for a new centre and the work that has gone on behind the scenes since the City announced it would build one.
“Our council recognises the importance of community and sees the new community centre as a significant step forward in solidifying Mount Pearl as the premier place to live on the northeast Avalon,” said Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley, who commended both the location and accessible design of the new building. “Inclusivity is so important, and I believe this centre will be a place that all generations can come together, connect, and thrive.”
Councillor Mark Rice applauded staff for the work they’ve put into it.
“I commend our senior staff and corporate service staff at coming up with a plan and really working hard behind the scenes,” said Rice. “There was a lot of work that went into this from a lot of people, and I just wanted to thank Planning, Engineering, and Development, Corporate Services, and even our Public Works committee.”
Rice added the construction of the centre represents a “significant investment in the economic development of Mount Pearl.”
Councillor Chelsea Lane said the centre will be a huge asset to the city, but more importantly, to the community.
“By investing in cutting edge infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of residents, Mount Pearl demonstrates it’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for community members, and ensuring a vibrant, forward-thinking future for all of us,” she said.
Councillor Isabell Fry said the centre will provide a focal point for the community and provide a versatile space for a wide range of activities, including theatre productions. She also applauded the inclusion of an atrium which will allow panoramic views of the splash pad/ice rink.
“I am just picturing so many events taking place here, especially at Christmas time, and it’s just going to be a wonderful place for our community to gather, and I’m so pleased with this,” said Fry.
Councillor Jim Locke took a moment to thank not just staff, but his council colleagues.
“This was not just something we flippantly decided,” said Locke. “There were many debates, many discussions, many meetings about this. As councillor Rice said, we wanted to make sure it met the financial capability of the City, and I’m confident that it does.”
Locke referred back to the Recreation Master Plan and said the new facility will meet many of the needs identified in that document, including a need for theatre space.
Mayor Dave Aker echoed several of the sentiments expressed by his fellow council members.
“I think we were courageous enough to build a plan, so that we’re not just talking about the Mount Pearl of the past, we’re talking about the Mount Pearl of the future,” said Aker.
He added that as the contract is a design-build contract, council is less likely to face hidden costs down the road than if two different companies had been contracted to complete the work.
Construction is expected to be complete in early 2026.
