News release

Province Helps Rebuild Community Hall

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

An important community landmark in Halifax Regional Municipality will reopen with support from the provincial government.

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris announced a $25,000 investment in the Beaver Bank Community Hall today, March 1. The building, also know as Brown Hall, was completely gutted by fire in October. An RCMP investigation determined the cause of the fire was arson.

"We are proud that this investment will ensure that a cornerstone of this community will be preserved," said Mr. Paris. "Numerous groups count on this facility for meetings, celebrations, fundraising, and recreation. I am personally relieved to know that these important events will continue to have a home in Beaver Bank."

Brown Hall, established in 1921 through the hard work and donations of area citizens, is home to the 2nd Beaver Bank Scouting group.

"Brown Hall typically hosts more than 300 events each year, and this support from the province will allow us to restore what we lost and make some improvements," said Beaver Bank Community Hall chair Brian Johnson. "If everything goes according to plan, we hope to be able to reopen at the end of March."

The total cost of this project is $99,000. HRM Councillor Barry Dalrymple will contribute $15,000 from the Capital District Fund, and the remainder will come from insurance coverage and community fundraising.

The province's investment comes from the Strategic Funding Initiative, which helps ensure economic growth and sustainable communities for Nova Scotia by building on their assets and strengths. The one-time funding is to be used for non-recurring capital costs and investments for not-for-profit organizations.