Newport District Rink Now Open

Government of Canada supported design and construction of new recreation facility

December 2, 2016 – Newport, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board of Canada and Member of Parliament for Kings – Hants, will be in Newport this evening to celebrate the grand opening of the newly constructed Newport and District rink. The 31,080 square foot facility will serve over 40,000 residents from West Hants, East Hants and the Kings County areas. Minister Brison is attending the opening on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

In 2015, the roof of the former community rink collapsed under heavy snow, necessitating the removal of the entire building. The new facility will be open year-round, hosting school and community skating programs, youth and recreational hockey leagues, figure skating clubs, as well as 4-H Club meets and various dry-land sporting events, in the summer months. More than 1,000 students from two local schools will use the new facility as part of their physical education programing.

The Grand Opening will begin at 6:00 p.m. and is open to all members of the community. The event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, as well as on-ice demonstrations from the Riverview Figure Skating club, broomball competitors and West Hants Minor Hockey goalies.

In August 2016, ACOA announced a $520,500 non-repayable contribution, through the Government of Canada’s Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150), to support the interior fit-up and furnishings for the rink.

Quotes

“Community recreation facilities provide a place for residents and visitors to gather together and benefit from sport and leadership program offerings. The Government of Canada is committed to making public investments that support vital community recreation infrastructure, such as the Newport and District Rink. Now students, athletes and community members will have access to a new facility that supports lifelong skills training and health.”

-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“The construction of the new Newport and District Rink represents this community’s strong sense of pride. Operating on a year-round basis, it will play an important role in promoting balanced, healthy and productive lives. The facility is the result of the tireless efforts of the Commission and volunteers whose work is restoring a much needed asset for surrounding communities that will serve a broad cross-section of residents.”

-       The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings- Hants

“The Newport and District Rink, through the joint efforts of three levels of government and the tireless work of our valuable volunteers, will provide first-rate ice facilities in winter and community space in summer, for all ages and activity levels. Not only does the new rink provide our residents with ways to remain active year round, but participation in organized sports and community groups teaches youth so many valuable life lessons.”

-       Garnett Davison, President, Newport and District Rink Commission

 Associated Links

• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
• Newport and District Rink Facebook Page

Contacts:

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca

Phyllis Blanchard
Secretary / Treasurer, Newport and District Rink Commission
Phone: 902-757-3231
E-mail: blancph@eastlink.ca


Background:

The CIP150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships, while supporting the Government’s priorities to promote a clean-growth economy and ensure a better future for Indigenous Peoples.