Through an investment of more than $6.7 million from provincial, federal and municipal governments, the new soccer and track and field facility officially opened in Gander today. The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure; the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Justice and Public Safety; and His Worship, Percy Farwell, Mayor of Gander, were on hand for the event to mark the opening of the centre that provides a place for residents and families to connect and stay active.
Although the facility has been in active use since 2024, today’s ceremony formally celebrated its completion and recognized the partners and supporters who helped bring the long-anticipated project to fruition.
The new facility includes a FIFA regulation-sized outdoor soccer field, as well as an eight-lane, 400-metre rubberized running track.
The sports facility is an important space for the town that provides residents with an inclusive place to gather, promotes an active lifestyle and, at the same time, spurs opportunities for sport tournament hosting.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to invest in the province’s sport and recreation infrastructure as it works toward meeting the goal of becoming the healthiest province by 2031, along with Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to being Canada’s first well-being province. The opening of this facility also complements the announcement of 2025 as the Year of Sport which will celebrate sport and athletes in this province and the recommendations of Health Accord NL.
Budget 2025 includes $188.7 million for community infrastructure projects being completed under the Municipal Capital Works Program, the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the new Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund.
Quotes
“Investing in modern, accessible recreation infrastructure is essential to the well-being of residents and contributes to healthy and resilient communities. Our government is proud to work collaboratively with our federal and municipal partners on such important infrastructure initiatives like the new sports facility in Gander that will be an important hub for the town for many years.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“The opening of Gander’s new multiplex facility is certainly a move in the right direction toward helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians live healthy, active lives. The space will provide opportunities for participation in sport and recreational activities for people of all ages, bringing wonderful health and social benefits.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“As the MHA for Gander, I am delighted to see this state-of-the-art sport multiplex officially opened today. This facility is not only a hub for residents seeking various sport and physical activities, but it will also serve as a place for community gatherings and functions.”
Honourable Dr. John Haggie
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
MHA for Gander
“The new sport multiplex facility in Gander will serve as an important community hub and promote healthy and active lifestyles for many years to come. The international regulation-sized soccer field and running track will provide residents with access to state-of-the-art recreational infrastructure and the town with the opportunity to showcase their renowned hospitality when hosting tournaments and competitions.”
Honourable Joanne Thompson
Minister of Fisheries
“This facility is more than just a field. It’s a strategic investment in our community’s future. By creating high-quality, multi-use infrastructure, we’re not only supporting local athletes, but we’re also strengthening Gander’s position as a regional hub for sport, events, and active living. Today is about celebrating how far we’ve come and what’s still to come. We’re grateful to our federal and provincial partners for their investment in Gander and their support in delivering a facility that benefits the entire region.”
His Worship Percy Farwell
Mayor of Gander
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