News release

Funding Partnership Supports New Facility for Northside

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Funding Partnership Supports New Facility for Northside


The federal and Nova Scotia governments will help fund construction of a new sports and recreation facility for the Northside to serve North Sydney, Sydney Mines and surrounding area.

Joint federal and provincial funding through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program in the amount of $3 million was announced today, Dec. 6, by MP Mark Eyking, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke, on behalf of Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. The Northside Millennium Sportsplex Society and its partners will fund the balance of the project.

"Projects like the Northside Arena serve to enhance our quality of life by improving community infrastructure," said Mr. Eyking. "Through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we are funding projects that promote strong, healthy communities throughout the province. The Northside Millennium Sportsplex Society is to be commended for its tireless efforts to ensure that the community has access to a quality recreational facility."

The program is designed to invest in the infrastructure needs of Nova Scotia communities by supporting long-term economic growth, community infrastructure improvements, and environmental enhancements, and by building 21st-century infrastructure through better technologies, new approaches and best practices.

"The new complex will be a huge benefit for the residents of the area," said Mr. Clarke. "It will offer better facilities for sports enthusiasts year-round, as well as a venue for larger tournaments, community events, fitness programs and other activities."

The funding provides for the design and construction of a new facility for the Northside. The aging North Sydney Forum has been plagued with many problems in recent months. The project will alleviate community concerns over the potential loss of an arena on the Northside.

"We've all worked very hard to get this project under way, and we're looking forward to providing a great recreational facility for the entire community to enjoy for years to come," said Brian Hillier, vice-chairman for the sportsplex society.

"This $3 million, plus the $1 million from Cape Breton Regional Municipality, is an excellent starting point for the Northside project," said Gordon MacLeod, member of the Cape Breton Regional Municipal council. "Both councillor Clarence Prince and I look forward to working with the other levels of government to bring this project to reality."

This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the infrastructure program. To date, 88 projects have been announced, representing total project costs of more than $134 million. Additional announcements are expected as projects undergo environmental assessment and final approval.

The $195-million, six-year Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is a member of the management committee. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities is represented on the program's management committee.