News release

Port Hawkesbury Centre Receives Additional Support

Office of Health Promotion (Jan. 2003 - May 2005)

HEALTH PROMOTION--Port Hawkesbury Centre Receives Additional Support


People in Port Hawkesbury have a place to gather, have fun and be active, thanks to the community's recently built Civic Centre. And the province is making sure the centre gets some help with its finishing touches.

The Office of Health Promotion has added another $400,000 commitment to the $900,000 it presented in June 2004.

Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald presented a cheque for $129,000 today, April 15, to Bob MacEachern, co-chair of the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre steering committee, as part of this commitment. The funds will be used to put the finishing touches on the centre.

"This civic centre is providing a variety of activities for everyone in the community to be physically active," said Mr. MacDonald. "The social and economic benefits of the centre will be enormous, from increased activity in the community to the ability to hold larger scale events right here at home."

The Civic Centre has been under construction since June 2003. Now almost complete, the centre includes a walking track, fitness facility, dance studio, racquetball and squash courts, and an NHL-sized ice surface.

"This centre is an important addition to Port Hawkesbury," Mr. MacDonald said. "The Office of Health Promotion is proud to support such a promising facility."

The centre is meeting community needs for improved cultural and recreational opportunities. The indoor walking track and fitness centre provides opportunities to be active year round and encourage people of all ages to participate.

Research has shown that people who have access to sport and recreation facilities are more likely to be physically active. Nova Scotia's Office of Health Promotion is committed to helping communities across the province develop and enhance their recreation facilities.