Out with the old, in with the Mews: New community centre will open in September

It was delayed by labour shortages, supply chain issues and HVAC problems, but the City of St. John's promises the new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre will open in a few months.

The facility was initially slated to open in the fall of 2023 but the opening date was pushed back several times. Earlier this week the city announced it would open to the public in September.

"It's absolutely happening this time, 100 per cent," councillor Greg Noseworthy told CBC Radio's The St. John's Morning Show.

Noseworthy has been posting regular updates on the facility to social media, but says the biggest factor in delaying the opening was the COVID-19 pandemic, when steel and skilled labour were scarce.

Then, over a year ago, staff caught an issue with the new building's heating and cooling equipment. 

"Thankfully that's resolved and we're gearing up, we're ready to go," said Noseworthy. 

Those delays didn't have an effect on the project's budget, according to the councillor. He says it's "not a dime" over the approximately $33 million set aside for the replacement of the old Mews Centre, constructed in 1970.

The money went into building a 25-metre pool with a viewing area, an indoor walking track that overlooks the gymnasium and other multi-use spaces.

The city also made an effort to make the community centre as accessible as possible, Noseworthy says.

"Everything is there to make sure that this is for everybody in the community" he said. "No one gets left behind."

According to the city's website, a courtesy wheelchair and a water wheelchair are available, and all entrances are accessible with various mobility aids. Other features include child and adult-size change tables, an assistive listening device and large print signage with braille. 

The original H.G.R. Mews Community Centre will remain open for regular summer programming, even though Noseworthy says it "needs some love."

Before the building is decommissioned, he says the pool will be open for a dog swim day. 

"It's going to be a fun one as we drain the pool and get it ready… for the next phase for the community," said Noseworthy. 

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