Funding for Rink Upgrades, Improved Access for Girls in Hockey
Fourteen community ice rinks across the province are receiving major upgrades that will extend their lifespan and provide greater access to sports and recreation, especially for women and girls.
The province is investing $18.3 million, including nearly $8.2 million for the Canada Games Complex at Cape Breton University to create a dedicated women’s and girls’ hockey center.
“Ice rinks are the heart of our communities,” said Brian Comer, Cape Breton East executive minister for the Office of Addiction and Mental Health and MLA, on behalf of Minister for Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage Pat Dunn. “These upgrades will enhance the experience of every player and family member enjoying the rink. And it’s a fantastic opportunity for more girls and women to play hockey.”
Cape Breton County Arena in Sydney will receive $4.3 million in updates including new washrooms and locker rooms, as well as accessibility and energy efficiency improvements. Truro’s Colchester Legion Stadium is awarded $1 million for repairs to reopen after it was damaged by Hurricane Fiona.
Quotes:
Improving access and equal opportunities in sport is a major concern of ours. Empowering people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to be active is critical to building a healthier province. These investments will help ice rinks across the province bring even more opportunities to their communities.
Pat Dunn, municipal minister, Culture, tourism and heritage.
This investment by the Nova Scotia government is a first in the nation and a game changer for girls in sports. It’s not just about sports infrastructure, it’s about affirming and recognizing equality. This investment is the meaningful action behind the ideals. This is the first arena in Canada to be filled with girls’ hockey teams. Hockey began in Nova Scotia and it is fitting that our province is at the forefront of leading a diverse and equitable future for the sport.
Christina Lamey, president, Cape Breton Blizzard Female Hockey Association
The Nova Scotia government’s investment in the Canada Games Complex goes well beyond the bricks and mortar of an ice rink. This type of investment builds leaders, builds communities, and creates memories that last a lifetime. While academic excellence is our core, a vibrant and supportive campus life – offering opportunities for sport, recreation and healthy living for the physical and mental health of students – is key. Thank you to Premier Houston, Secretary Dunn and Secretary Comer for this investment.
Sara Salter-Burke, Vice President for Development, Cape Breton University
Today’s announcement is great news for the District Arena and for those who use this facility. The upgrades will increase the building’s accessibility and overall functionality, and extend the lifespan of a facility important to the people of that area.
Paul McDonald, Managers of facilities, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Fast Facts:
- The Canada Games Complex at Cape Breton University will be home to the Cape Breton Blizzards Female Hockey Association and will provide easier access to hockey programs for the Mi’kmaw communities
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Funded:
- Canada Games Complex, Sydney: $8.15 million for rehabilitation to increase access for girls and women to ice hockey
- Cape Breton County Arena, Sydney: $4.3 million for critical infrastructure modernization
- Glooscap Rink, Canning: $2 million for structural rehabilitation
- Colchester Legion Stadium, Truro: $1 million in repairs due to Hurricane Fiona damage
- Sackville Arena, Lower Sackville: $630,000 grandstand retrofit
- Chester Arena and Rink, Chester: $500,000 for repairs
- Trenton Rink, Trenton: $300,000 for new seating and upgrades
- St. Francis Xavier University Rink, Antigonish: $300,000 for Ice Plant
- Shelburne County Arena, Shelburne: $260,000 for roof repairs
- Queens Place Arena, Liverpool: $205,000 for a Zamboni
- Pictou County Wellness Center, Westville: $200,000 for ice rink and locker room upgrades
- Antigonish Arena, Antigonish: $160,000 for heating and accessibility upgrades
- Eskasoni Arena, Eskasoni: $150,000 for accessibility improvements
- Bluenose Curling, New Glasgow: $118,000 for upgrades and sprinkler system