The province is hoping a new 16,000-square-foot water sports centre in Sudbury will boost tourism in the area, attracting competitive water sports events at an international level.
On August 26, the provincial government announced a $1-million funding package for the Northern Water Sports Centre, to be established in Sudbury adjacent to Science North and the Sudbury Yacht Club.
The money comes from the Infrastructure and Community Development Program under the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp., and the centre is anticipated to create 23 jobs.
Funding is also being provided by Xstrata ($1 million) and the city ($500,000).
In addition to tourism, the water sports centre will provide a training and recreational facility for local athletes.
The two-storey facility will consist of boat and equipment storage areas, a workshop, change rooms, a lift and stairs to the second level and an exterior deck. The centre will also establish a regulation 1,000-metre race course for paddling and rowing events.
The Northern Sports Centre is a not-for-profit organization established by the Sudbury Canoe Club, the Sudbury Rowing Club, the Sudbury Dragon Boat Festival and the City of Greater Sudbury.
Construction is expected to start in October and be completed by September 2012.
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