News release

Infrastructure Program Invests in Northside Pool

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

Northside residents of Cape Breton Regional Municipality will soon be swimming laps again at the Northside Pool, thanks to funding through the new Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

The project includes the retrofit of the Northside Pool, which was closed in 2005 due to safety concerns. Project work includes structural repairs to the glulam beams; rebuilding of the roof; upgrades to the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and electrical systems, and; replacement of the existing sand filters.

Federal funding of $300,000 was announced today, May 11. The Northside Pool Commission, in partnership with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, will fund the balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement and environmental assessment approval.

"Community infrastructure is very dear to Sydney families and a vital contribution to our quality of life," said Peter MacKay, federal Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "The reopening of this facility will keep people of all ages in good health and bring the community together."

"The pool retrofit project could not proceed without the important contribution from the Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund," said Cecil Clarke, Speaker of the House of Assembly, speaking on behalf of Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

The new infrastructure program supports community infrastructure improvements, such as water, wastewater, and solid waste management.

"Community members of all ages will once again be able to enjoy the benefits of the Northside Pool," said Charlie MacLean, chair of the Northside Pool Commission. "We are delighted that this project is moving forward."

The $111-million, six-year Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities are members of the management committee.