News release

Upgrades to Westville Miners Sports Centre

Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

The Westville Miners Sports Centre will be more modern and comfortable for hockey players, families and community members from across Pictou County with infrastructure funding from the Province.

The $2.1-million investment will also support the sustainability of the facility.

“Rinks like the Westville Miners Sports Centre have been neglected for too long. We’re fixing that,” said Premier Tim Houston. “These upgrades will make a difference for every player who takes the ice and every spectator in the stands. When we invest in community rinks, we are investing in a stronger rural Nova Scotia.”

The upgrade will replace the existing ice plant, cement flooring, refrigeration system and humidification system with more modern and efficient alternatives, extending the centre’s lifespan.

Quotes:

“Community rinks are essential to the well-being of our communities. I am thrilled that local athletes and community members will have a sustainable rink they can call home ice for generations.”

– Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

“The Westville Volunteer Rink Commission would like to thank the provincial government for recognizing the importance of our rink, not only for Westville, but for all our patrons from Pictou County and all over Nova Scotia. As a result, our facility will become more environmentally friendly and will provide another generation with recreational fun, sports and physical activity for all ages.”

– Dave Sinnis, Chair, Westville Rink Commission

“We are incredibly excited to be the recipients of this grant. The repairs that this grant will allow us to complete will extend the life of the rink and allow many more young athletes the ability to use this facility for their hockey careers. The rink is an important part of the community and is also the home rink for the Northumberland Regional High School Nighthawks hockey teams. We look forward to many more years of ice time.”

– Emma MacLeod, captain, girls’ Nighthawks hockey team

“This funding from the Province will enable the facility to continue to provide recreation programs to residents of Westville and surrounding areas of Pictou County for many years to come. This announcement is not just good news for Westville, but for all of Pictou County.”

– Lennie White, Mayor, Town of Westville

Quick Facts:

  • the Westville Miners Sports Centre opened in 1976
  • the rink is used by Pictou County Minor Hockey, Fundy Highland Female Hockey Association and the Northumberland High School hockey teams

Additional Resources:

Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage grants and programs: https://cch.novascotia.ca/investing-in-our-future