Growth and community meet at the Cedar Event Centre

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Left: The front of Cedar Event Centre, a glass building with a sign. Right: Inside ballroom B of Cedar Events Centre, tables and chairs arranged for an event.

Government of Canada fueling community revitalization and creating the conditions for the local economy to thrive

March 9, 2023 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economy is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, announced an investment of $149,115 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for Our Lady of Lebanon Parish. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will allow Our Lady of Lebanon Parish to make upgrades to the Cedar Event Centre in Halifax. A digital billboard and enhanced audio-visual projection equipment will help meet the growing community needs and a new parking gate and fence will improve safety. The centre serves as a venue for various events and activities such as summer camps, meetings, community functions, and festivals. Its annual Lebanese Cedar Festival attracts over 10,000 visitors to the area, with the goal of sharing Lebanese culture and customs.  

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. The Government of Canada is committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economy. Investing in shared spaces like the Cedar Event Centre helps create vibrant local economies and gives residents a place to come together safely.”

-       The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

"The Cedar Event Centre has quickly become one of the most important gathering spaces in Halifax West. It's a place to celebrate, to learn and to build closer bonds with others. I'm pleased that the Government of Canada is investing in upgrades that will improve the space for the many diverse community groups that use it."

-       The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West

“The Cedar Event Centre is a non-profit organization that provides accessible space to serve a growing congregation and the surrounding community. It provides the opportunity to host social, cultural and religious celebrations. Our space at 111 Clayton Park Drive has become a hub for gathering, celebrating significant occasions, learning new languages and so much more. We are so pleased to have the support of the Government of Canada as we make improvements with site safety, technology updates to classrooms and upgrades to conference spaces."

-       Janane Chater, Parish Council Chairperson of Our Lady of Lebanon Parish

Quick facts

  • The Cedar Event Centre opened in June 2020 and is part of the Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church complex. 

  • The Cedar Event Centre is a modern, multi-functional event space that has a large ballroom, full commercial kitchen, and 10 meeting rooms available for rent as well as an outdoor terrace.

  • 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.

Associated links

Contacts

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

Jocelyne El-Chaar
Comptroller
Our Lady of Lebanon Parish
902-443-4162
parishoffice@ourladyoflebanon.org

Stay connected

Follow ACOA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Page details

Date modified: