The new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre officially opened its doors on September 15. Now that operations are underway, the City of St. John’s is hosting a Grand Opening celebration, including an official ribbon cutting with partners and a series of free activities for residents.
“The new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre is a modern, accessible space that supports healthy, active living for residents of all ages,” said Mayor Danny Breen. “I want to thank our funding partners, project team, contractors, community organizations, and City staff whose hard work and dedication helped bring this centre to life. I invite everyone to come out during the Grand Opening events, explore the building, and see firsthand what this new centre has to offer.”
The state-of-the-art facility was made possible by an investment of $33,597,250 from the Federal Government’s Canada Community Building Fund.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of the Mews community centre,” said Tom Osborne, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Cape Spear.“ This state-of-the-art hub is such a great addition to the daily active life of our residents as it offers a place where our communities can gather, learn, play, and grow together.”
Free Events
During the week of December 8, the City will offer opportunities for the community to experience the new facility and its programs, including:
Monday, December 8
Playgroup in gym – 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, December 9
Pop-in Tot Swim – 1:30 to 2:50 p.m.
Wednesday, December 10
Everyone Welcome Swim – 6 to 6:50 p.m.
Thursday, December 11
Walking Track Free All Day
An official ribbon cutting ceremony with Council, the Mews family and partners will take place at the H.G.R. Mews Community Centre on the morning of Monday, December 8 as part of the Grand Opening events. In addition, artwork from St. Theresa’s Elementary will be on display in the facility throughout the week.
About the New Facility
Spanning 60,000 square feet, the new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre offers a wide range of amenities designed to meet the diverse needs of residents, including:
- A 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool with a climbing wall.
- A leisure pool with interactive water features.
- A steam room.
- Electric switchable glass in the pool viewing area for privacy.
- A full-size gymnasium.
- An indoor walking track.
- Convertible courts for squash, handball, or racquetball.
- Two multi-purpose rooms with a partition wall and shared kitchen.
- Dedicated spaces for the BGC and the REAL Program.
- Various accessibility features to ensure a more inclusive facility, such as accessible parking and drop-off areas, an elevator, accessible gender-neutral washrooms and change spaces, zero-depth beach entry to the leisure pool, ramped entry to the lap pool and more.