Province Supports Port Hood to Attract Events, Visitors

The province is helping to upgrade an Inverness County sports centre so it can better serve families, host more events and attract more visitors to the area.

Residents, athletes and visitors will benefit from an improved Al MacInnis Sports Centre in Port Hood. Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele visited the centre today, Aug. 12, to deliver the news.

"The Al MacInnis Sports Centre is an important part of this community, and offers economic and tourism opportunities for the area," said Mr. Steele. "The province's investment will help upgrade the sports centre so local athletes, their families, and visitors can continue to enjoy this important community facility."

The Al MacInnis Sports Centre is open year-round and has served the Port Hood area since 1975. It includes a hockey arena, fitness centre, canteen, and multipurpose room. An outdoor pool is open during the summer.

"The Al MacInnis Sports Centre has been the core community facility for decades, playing host to countless events throughout the year," said Port Hood and District Recreation Commission president Lloyd MacDonald. "Thanks to the province's support, we can make improvements so the centre can continue to serve the community for years to come, and help us bring in bigger and better events, and more visitors, to our beautiful community."

The Port Hood and District Recreation Commission will use $42,200 in provincial funding to help make improvements to the facility, including mechanical upgrades, equipment purchases, painting and other maintenance.

Port Hood and the Cape Breton West Islanders will host the 2013 Early Bird Major Midget hockey tournament in September. All eight league teams will participate, and bring their families, friends, and fans to the area.

"Freshening up the sports centre is great news for the community and the Cape Breton West Islanders as we prepare to welcome the rest of the league to Cape Breton," said team coach Sean Donovan. "The Early Bird tournament will bring a lot of people to the area who will stay at local cottages and inns, eat in local restaurants, and shop in local stores."

The Al MacInnis Sports Centre will continue to serve as community space for a variety of events. Work is expected to get underway immediately.