NEWS RELEASE December 23, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thompson Regional Community Centre - Final phase update

Thompson, MB - December 23, 2010 – Construction is scheduled to begin on the final phase of development for the Thompson Regional Community Centre in March 2011 and be completed by fall 2012. The Thompson Regional Community Centre retrofit has been separated into 3 phases. Phases 1 and 2 consisted of the retrofit of the CA Nesbitt Arena, locker rooms, and upgrades to the Gordon Beard Arena and its mechanical infrastructure. The third and final phase will see the development of a family wellness centre complete with a multi-sport field, indoor play structure, arts and cultural room, fitness centre, and indoor running track. Other features include retail space, food services, administration offices, a boardroom, lobby, and exterior renovations. “This centre is going to be a hub of activity promoting health and wellness for residents of all ages. It will provide an inclusive community venue for students and faculty of the University College of the North, that will be located adjacent to the community centre, and thereby promote healthy and active lifestyles for northerners for years to come,” said Councillor Erin Stewart chair of the Recreation and Community Service Committee. Preliminary Construction Schedule: February 2011: Administration offices relocated (details TBA), demolition of

the lobby, gym, racquetball courts, Mary Fenske Boardroom and the administration offices.

March 2011: Construction to commence. Temporary entrance and

parking in effect (TBA). Fall 2011: Superstructure enclosed, interior construction continues. Fall 2012: Project complete. The City does not anticipate any disruption in activities taking place at the C.A. Nesbitt or the Gordon Beard Arenas. All other areas including the gym, racquetball courts, Mary Fenske Boardroom and the administration offices will be affected.

Background: The City of Thompson has received funding from governments and local businesses to cover the estimated $12 million to complete the final phase of construction. In May 2009, the City received a grant from the Build Canada Fund (BCF), a tripartite funding agreement between the provincial, federal and municipal governments. The BCF awarded the City $5.82 million, $2.91 million from both the province and the federal governments, with an equal contribution, $2.91 million, from the City. In total, the fund has generated $8.73 million. In September 2010, Vale announced that they will donate $1.5 million to the project, and several local businesses have confirmed donations as well; including, Wescan Electrical- Mechanical Services, $10,000; Assiniboine Credit Union, $5,000; Gardewine North, $25,000 in in-kind contributions and Manitoba Public Insurance, $25,000. TRCC Final Phase - Funding Contributions BCF $8,730,000 Vale $1,500,000 WESCAN Electrical-Mechanical Services $10,000 Assiniboine Credit Union $ 5,000 Gardewine North $25,000 (in-kind) Manitoba Public Insurance $25,000 Total $10,295,000 Fundraising efforts continue. If you have any questions about fundraising or would like to donate to this project please contact: Laura Finlay Community Liaison Thompson Regional Community Centre Ph 679-5812 cfinlay@mts.net

-30- On behalf of the City of Thompson, contact: Tammy Lee Marche, BullMarket Consulting Ltd. 204.679.5436 tmarche@bullmarketconsulting.com The City of Thompson is the third largest city in Manitoba and home to a diverse population of 13,446 people. Known as the Hub of the North, Thompson is the regional trade and service centre of northern Manitoba, representing an additional 36,000 – 65,000 Manitobans. As such, it has all of the services and amenities of a much larger urban centre. The city is located 830 kilometers north of the international border, and 739 kilometers north of the provincial capital of Winnipeg.