Province Gives $1.5 Million for New Arena

People will soon be enjoying a new arena at Saint Mary's University, thanks to funding from the Office of Health Promotion. Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald visited the university today, May 20, and presented president Colin Dodds with a $1.5 million cheque for the new arena.

"This arena is a big part of the community -- everyone from minor hockey players to old timers has been using this arena for sport and recreation for more than 40 years," said Mr. MacDonald. "This funding will ensure that people have access to a safe and modern facility where they can be physically active."

The university's arena was built in the early 1960s and is one of the oldest in the province. It has reached the end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced. With ice time constantly in demand, the community cannot afford to lose this facility. More than half of the ice time is used by the community -- the remaining time is used by students and varsity teams.

"Saint Mary's is grateful to receive this generous gift from the province," said Mr. Dodds. "This new facility is yet another step in the growth of Saint Mary's, one that will provide the community with a wider range of services and resources, fulfill regional needs, and better serve the campus and broader community."

The new 1,250-seat arena -- to be called the Dauphinee Centre -- will be built in the same location as the existing facility. The $12 million arena will have one ice surface, team and meeting rooms and will link to the Tower. Construction is scheduled to begin when all funding is in place.

Research has shown that increased access to sport and recreation facilities is very effective in increasing physical activity. The Office of Health Promotion is committed to helping communities across the province develop and enhance their recreation facilities.