Construction Update: H.G.R. Mews Community Centre Replacement

Throughout the pandemic, the Facility Engineering team have been hard at work overseeing the design and construction for the H.G.R. Mews Community Centre replacement.

This new facility will replace the existing community centre which has reached the end of its useful life after serving the residents of St. John’s for over 50 years.

At its new location, the facility will be the focal point of a comprehensive recreational hub in the center of St. John’s at Mundy Pond Park, which is currently home to a skate park, softball field, dog park and a walking trail. With this new facility and playground, we will have something for all ages and abilities to participate in sport, recreation, and leisure opportunities in centre city.

Construction Update
Construction on the new community centre is starting to take shape. Most of the footings have now been placed, retaining walls are poured and the concrete pool walls are completed. Underground linear infrastructure such as water, sanitary and storm lines as well as underground electrical cables are completed. The next major milestone for construction of the building will be steel erection – when the weather cooperates.

The inclusive Canadian Tire Jumpstart playground is nearing completion and is expected to open to the public during mid-summer, as warmer weather is required for installation of the rubberized surface of the playground. The costs of playground equipment and rubber surfacing, valued at approximately $1 million, are funded by Jumpstart, with the City providing the land and costs associated with site preparation. 

Aerial image above shows entrance to Mundy Pond Park, existing ballfield, exisiting dog park and skateboard park. The outline for the new community centre and playground is visible.

Features and Amenities
When completed in the fall of 2023 some of the main features of the 60,000 square foot building include:

• 25 metre, 6 lane swimming pool with a climbing wall
• Leisure pool with water features
• Steam room
• Full-size gymnasium
• Indoor walking track
• Convertible courts for either squash, handball, or racquet ball
• Dedicated space for the Boys and Girls club and the REAL Program 

Renderings and further information about the new facility is available at EngageStJohns.ca.

Aerial image above shows walking trail, and the foundation of the new community centre including a lap pool, leisure pool, squash courts, gymnasium, and multipurpose rooms.

Construction and design of the new facility incorporates industry best practices as it relates to the use of energy efficient and climate resilient building materials which will aid in reducing the City’s overall carbon footprint.

In keeping with Our City, Our Future, the City of St. John’s Corporate Strategic Plan, the continued development of Mundy Pond Park as a recreational hub strengthens our commitment to a City where people feel connected, have a sense of belonging and are actively engaged in community life.

The total cost to replace the Mews Community Centre is $33,597,250 and is federally funded by the Canada Community Building Fund previously known as the Federal Gas Tax Fund. The program funding is administered and distributed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to fund local infrastructure priorities such as public transit, wastewater, drinking water, roads, and buildings.