News release

New Civic Centre Arena For Port Hawkesbury

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

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--New Civic Centre Arena For Port Hawkesbury


Construction will soon begin on a new arena in Port Hawkesbury, thanks to a project funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

Joint federal and provincial funding of $3-million was announced today, April 28, by Premier John Hamm, and by Rodger Cuzner, member of Parliament for Bras d'Or-Cape Breton, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Town of Port Hawkesbury and its partners will fund the balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement.

"By investing in this part of Port Hawkesbury and the Strait Area, we are investing in our children and increasing physical activity in the community," said Premier Hamm. "As our governments and communities continue to work together, we are seeing better results and a stronger Nova Scotia for everyone."

The Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre Arena project provides for the design and construction of a new civic centre for the town. The new arena will consist of an NHL-sized ice surface and seating for at least 1,000 people. The Town of Port Hawkesbury is also planning a walking track, fitness centre, heritage hall and display centre, community hall, and municipal administration offices for the facility, which are proposed to be funded through other sources.

"Municipal projects that help build strong communities and enhance local infrastructure are the priority of the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program," said Mr. Cuzner. "Through this program, the government of Canada is working with Nova Scotians to improve our quality of life through projects like the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre Arena."

In addition to the infrastructure funding, the trade and convention centre component of the project will receive a total of $1.25 million from the federal Strategic Community Investment Fund and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's Business Development Program. As well, additional provincial funding of $900,000 over three years from the Office of Health Promotion's Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission will go towards construction of the arena.

"The construction of a civic centre has been a dream of our community for many years," said Port Hawkesbury mayor Billy Joe MacLean. "A personal note of thanks is extended to the federal and provincial governments, and in particular federal MP Rodger Cuzner, and Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald, for their support and encouragement over the past couple of years."

This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the infrastructure program. To date, a total of 95 projects have been announced, representing an investment of more than $154 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.