Why do we need a Lifestyle Centre?

Ultimately the decision as to whether a facility of this nature is needed comes down to a question of what benefits it will provide to residents and our communities. Following is an outline of some of the key benefits that the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre can offer residents of Lunenburg County. The list of benefits is not exhaustive but provides a good overview of some of the important reasons behind why a Centre is needed.

Economic Benefits
Families will be attracted to the region which will enhance the community at large with highly skilled technical, professional and senior financial administrative personnel.

• Recreation, parks, and arts/cultural attract businesses to the community as prime economic development and relocation magnets.
• Recreation, parks, sports, and arts/cultural are attractions that draw tourism.
• Recreation, parks, fitness, sports and arts/cultural are significant employment generators providing many jobs.
• Small investments in recreation, sports, and arts/culture often yield large economic returns. Money generated by events, capital development, and provision of ongoing services is spent several times in the community.

This will support the retention and recruitment of the needed personnel for the Regional Health Services, Financial Services, Business and Commercial Services. The labour market for the region will see increased growth through trained instructors and trades people.

Personal Health Benefits
Recreation and active living are essential to personal health. This facility will support the following:

• Recreation and active living helps people live longer.
• Physical activity and active living significantly reduces the risk of coronary heart and stroke.
• Recreation and active living prolongs independent living for seniors, keeping seniors vital and involved in community life.
• Recreation, fitness, sports, and active living has been shown to help in preventing site specific cancers has the ability to combat diabetes and combats osteoporosis.
• Recreation, fitness, sports, active living, parks and arts/culture all contribute to mental health – reducing stress, reducing depression, and contributing to emotional / psychological well-being.

This facility will provide an opportunity to create awareness of the health benefits of physical activity and healthy eating. Physical activity has been clearly recognized as a major factor in chronic disease prevention and management.

Quality of Life Benefits
Citizens using the facility will have enhanced life satisfaction by accessing the many opportunities in programs and services that are provided in this community gathering place and thereby increasing community spirit.

• Recreation, sports, and arts/culture build self-esteem and positive self image which are foundations to personal quality of life.
• Recreation, parks, fitness, sports, and arts/culture enhance life satisfaction levels.
• Recreation, parks, sports and arts/culture enhance perceived quality of life – for individuals, families and communities.
• Recreation, sports, and arts/culture nurtures growth, acquisition of life skills, and independent living for those with a disability.
• Recreation, physical activity, and arts/culture will enhance the quality of life for the aging person.

This facility as a community focal point will encourage the active participation by all who choose to take advantage of the opportunity to enhance their quality of life.

Social Benefits
A major vehicle for the promotion of health found support for family togetherness through recreation. Satisfaction gained from participation as a family in social recreation opportunities leads to family cohesiveness. As well, family participation in recreation that requires high interaction, results in mutual satisfaction for spouses and partners.

As a community gathering place, the facility will provide opportunities for the community to network, share experiences, celebrate events, create new friendships, share skills and talents.

• Recreation, sports, and arts/culture produce leaders who serve their communities in many ways.
• Recreation, sports, and arts/culture build social skills and stimulate participation in community life.
• Recreation and parks are often the catalysts that build strong self-sufficient communities.
• Culture/libraries help people to understand their neighbours, their history, and their environment.

Community agencies and organizations will have an opportunity to utilize the facility to provide social, cultural and recreational activities for their associations.