OREANDA-NEWS. December 14, 2011. There's USD 1.25 million worth of nickels being invested in Port Colborne's Health and Wellness Centre.

Mining company Vale was revealed as the title sponsor of the city's sports complex after providing the major contribution to the facility. The money will be distributed over the next 10 years.

In a ceremony outside the complex's construction site Thursday, Mayor Vance Badawey unveiled name of the building as the Vale Health and Wellness Centre.

Badawey said the health and wellness centre is the city's single largest investment in the community. Calling the facility's naming a "milestone in our community," the mayor said the mining giant has been a integral part of the municipality for more than a century.

"While the company name may have changed through those years, their commitment and dedication to the community has not," Badawey said.

In front of about 50 people at the naming ceremony, Badawey said the Vale Health and Wellness Centre has been a building that's been needed for the past 10 years to replace aging facilities -- Teeder Kennedy Youth Arena, Westside Arena and Centennial pool -- while enhancing programs for residents and visitors alike.

The mayor said the facility will provide a strong sense of community and civic spirit, a safe environment for people to recreate and leisure while building partnerships with individuals, community groups and corporations.

"The Vale Health and Wellness Centre will be inclusive, accessible and participatory," Badawey said.

Del Fraipont spoke on behalf of Vale (formerly Inco). He's been the plant manager at the Nickel St. refinery for the past 15 years.

Fraipont said the USD 1.25-million sponsorship is a positive step in the right direction, stating it's an investment in the community for the future.

"It's going to be a place where children will play, adults will stay fit and families will be active together," Fraipont said. "We are committed to projects that contribute to health and vitality of the community."

Construction continues on the Vale Health and Wellness Centre, situated on the site of the former Teeder Kennedy arena at the Thomas A. Lannan Sports Complex. Once completed in November 2012, the 13,006-square-metre centre will feature two NHL standard-sized rinks, an aquatic centre with lap and leisure pools, gym and fitness area, bocce courts and an indoor walking track.