News release

New Arena to be Built in Springhill

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

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--New Arena to be Built in Springhill


Residents of Springhill can look forward to a new arena worth up to $6.3 million, due to a funding partnership between the Town of Springhill and the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program.

Joint federal-provincial funding from the Strategic Initiatives element of the infrastructure program, in the amount of $2.5 million, was announced today, Oct. 21, by Premier John Hamm and Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Town of Springhill and its partners will fund the $3.8 million balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement.

"An arena is the social and recreational centre of many small towns and communities across Canada. Springhill suffered a terrible loss when their arena was destroyed almost two years ago," said Premier Hamm. "Rebuilding the arena was a priority for the people of Springhill and we are pleased to help them accomplish this important community project."

"The Springhill Arena project is a good example of how the government of Canada is showing its commitment to improving community infrastructure and improving our quality of life," said Mr. Thibault. "Through the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program, we are investing in projects designed to meet these goals."

The Springhill Arena project provides for the design and construction of a new arena for the Town of Springhill to replace the old facility, which collapsed in early 2001. The new arena will consist of an NHL-sized ice surface and seating for about 800 people. There will also be an extra 60 hours of ice time available to the community each week.

The Town of Springhill also has plans in place for a gymnasium, teen centre, walking track, skate park, kitchen, canteen and stage as part of the arena project.

"This is a very important project for our community," said William Mont, Mayor of the Town of Springhill. "Our residents will have a great new place to pursue recreational activities, and we are very proud of the environmental benefits, as the project involves some very interesting technology using mine water for geothermal heat."

This is one of a series of approval announcements for projects under the infrastructure program. To date, 75 projects have been announced, representing an investment of more than $116 million. Additional announcements are expected soon 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.

The Strategic Initiatives element of the infrastructure program allows the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia to respond to infrastructure priorities in a balanced and flexible manner. To be eligible for funding, all Strategic Initiative projects must meet infrastructure program criteria. The Strategic Initiatives element is valued at $25.7 million.