HEALTH PROMOTION/PROTECTION--Construction Begins on Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre

Construction is underway on a major recreation facility in Truro that will support an active and healthy lifestyle for residents in Colchester County.

MLA Lenore Zann, on behalf of Health Promotion and Protection Minister Maureen MacDonald, joined Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, MP Scott Armstrong, on behalf of Chuck Strahl, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Truro Mayor Bill Mills, and Bob Taylor, Mayor of the Municipality of the County of Colchester, for the project's groundbreaking and sod-turning today, Nov. 13.

"The province is proud to support the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre, a project which will create good jobs and grow the economy," said Ms. Zann. "Building facilities that provide Nova Scotians with more opportunities to be active and lead healthy lives is one way we are working to make life better for families in every region."

"Government is focused on providing real results for Canadians and their communities in which they live," said Mr. MacKay. "The new Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre will create jobs and inject capital into our economy, while providing residents in the region the opportunity to promote health and wellness for generations to come."

The civic centre will house an NHL-sized ice surface with seating for 3,200 spectators, a three-lane walking track, an aquatic centre with an eight-lane competitive pool, leisure and children's pool, a fitness centre and other multipurpose space.

"We have waited a long time for this day and are thrilled to see activity on this site where this fine recreational and wellness centre will be built to provide such a great service to our community," said Mayor Taylor. "Our communities appreciate government partnering with us on this project."

"This facility will meet many of the requirements that Truro and greater Colchester area residents have identified to make us more competitive in attracting people and business to our community," said Mayor Mills. "We are excited for the future opportunities and the impact that the centre will have on all of us."

The province, through the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, has committed $10 million towards the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre. In January, the federal government announced it was setting aside up to one-third of the total eligible costs, to a maximum contribution of $10 million. The Municipality of the County of Colchester and the Town of Truro are also contributing up to $18 million. The remainder will be provided through corporate and community fundraising.

The province and federal government are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure. Both governments have agreed to work together to ensure that funds are delivered quickly and efficiently so that construction can begin as soon as possible.