A community centre in Cape Breton has set a powerful example of how Canadian cities and towns persevere and flourish when they have public spaces to promote social interaction, physical activity, safety and wellbeing. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our communities and their shared spaces.

“Our region is facing significant challenges in the wake of Hurricane Fiona, but Atlantic Canadians are coming together to help each other recover and rebuild. The Spanish River Community Centre has stood as a strong example of this brand of kindness and resilience during local relief efforts, and we are proud to invest in shared spaces that will support the wellbeing of our communities on many levels.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Spanish River Community Centre was a safe haven for Sydney area residents following Hurricane Fiona and our community is grateful for their contribution. In difficult times, it is places and people like these that help us persevere—and in better times they help us flourish, by providing space for us to stay active, social and engaged. The Spanish River Community Centre has provided these benefits to residents for many years and we are proud to support them in their ongoing efforts to improve their space for those they serve.”
- Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso

“Without the help of ACOA, this project would not have been possible. In places like small community halls, we value this type of support to help us get important projects off the ground, so we can continue to help and host people, organizations, and activities.”
- Allan Bragg, Treasurer and Board Chairman, Spanish River Community Centre

• The Spanish River Community Centre hosts a variety of groups and activities including the Spanish River Seniors Club, Sydney Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club of Sydney, tarbish tournaments, community breakfasts and others.

• It is known as home of Chace the Ace and partners with a number of local groups to raise funds for charities and community projects. 

• The Centre also supports the wellbeing of community by hosting clinics, COVID testing and local health groups like Al-Anon and TOPS weight loss meetings.

• The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports two major streams of activity:

  • adapting community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,
  • building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions. 

• Application intake for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund is now closed. If you have a pending application, please contact your account manager for more information.

• Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery. Application intake is open through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for the Jobs and Growth Fund, the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, and the Tourism Relief Fund.

Associated links

• Canada Community Revitalization Fund in Atlantic Canada

Allan Bragg
Treasurer and Board Chairman
Spanish River Community Centre
902-564-5194
warnerbragg@hotmail.com

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

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