News release

Province Supports Antigonish County Rowing Facility

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism (Jan. 2011 - April 2015)
Health and Wellness

The province is helping an Antigonish County rowing centre become the only facility east of Montreal capable of hosting national and international rowing events.

Residents, visitors and athletes will benefit from the new competitive rowing centre on Lochaber Lake.

"Community organizations and recreation facilities are an important part of any community, and they can also offer great economic opportunities," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Maurice Smith. "A recreational and competitive rowing centre on Lochaber Lake has the potential to make a big impact on the local economy when athletes from across the country, and around the world, come to train and compete in this great community."

The Lochaber Community Development Association will use $400,000 in provincial recreation and economic development funding to help build the new facility on community land on Lochaber Lake.

It will include meeting rooms, office space, docks, storage for boats and other equipment, and an area for medal presentations.

"This project is an exciting opportunity for our community and for the entire region," said Lochaber Community Development Association project chair Brendan Brothers. "It's becoming a reality because of the overwhelming support from local and rowing communities, and various levels of government, including this generous support from the province.

"We are pleased to now have the ability to pursue what we believe will become an economic catalyst for the community, the region, and the entire province."

Lochaber Centre will also serve as a community hall, replacing the aging Sylvan Hall that has served the community for more than 90 years.

"This funding provides infrastructure essential for hosting national-level events," said Row Nova Scotia president Peter Webster. "This is a terrific opportunity for the community and the province."

Construction of the new facility is expected to begin this spring.