International curling event a BOOST for Pictou County

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Facility upgrades make for a slick international curling competition

September 26, 2023 · Pictou, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

National and international sport competitions bring athletes and spectators from around the world, showcasing Atlantic Canada’s unique experiences. The Government of Canada is investing in sports and recreation facilities to boost local economies and bring more tourism opportunities to rural communities.

Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA announced a non-repayable contribution of $125,000 to the Pictou County Wellness Centre Building Authority (PCWCBA).

This investment will help the organization host the BOOST National, a major 2023 Grand Slam of Curling event, at the Pictou County Wellness Centre. PCWCBA will install special effects lighting in the main arenas and enhance the appearance of the atrium. New audio-visual equipment will improve international broadcast quality and the WiFi network will be updated. Ramps and automated door openers will be installed, and alarm systems will be upgraded for better accessibility and security. With these infrastructure improvements, the Centre will be set to attract even more large-scale events, bringing more people and opportunities to Pictou County.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting rural growth in Atlantic Canada. 

Quotes

“Curling is about to deliver a big boost for Pictou County this November – new tourism opportunities, new business connections, and a chance to shine on the world stage. It’s wonderful to see international sporting events bringing positive economic results to this beautiful corner of the country.”

-  The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Hosting the Grand Slam is inviting the world to our doorstep, and we do it with open arms. International sporting events create global connections and help build a legacy of athletic inspiration that puts our community on the map. This investment will ensure the Pictou County Wellness Centre will continue to be an important community asset locally and on the global stage.”

- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Member  of Parliament for Central Nova

“As a direct result of this investment, Pictou County Wellness Centre is now positioned to host future national and international events. This technology and infrastructure-based project will ensure that PCWC can accommodate national TV audiences, exceed minimum hosting criteria, and attract other events of this nature for years to come. Offering a reliable and dependable environment will help PCWC become an economic catalyst for this rural area, the province of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Canadian region.”

- Graham MacNeil, Chief Organizing Officer of Pictou County Wellness Centre Building Authority Inc.

Quick facts

  • The Pictou County Wellness Centre Building Authority (PCWCBA) is a non-profit organization that owns and manages the Pictou County Wellness Centre (PCWC). The Building Authority is a partnership between five municipalities in the county: The towns of New Glasgow, Stellarton, Pictou and Trenton, as well as the Municipality of the County of Pictou.

  • Completed in 2012, the PCWC offers sports and recreation programming and is the premier event hosting facility in Pictou County. 

  • In 2019, ACOA supported the Pictou County Wellness Centre in hosting the Grand Slam Tour Challenge, the largest curling event in the Grand Slam of Curling series. The success and positive economic impact of that event motivated the PCWCBA in its successful bid for the 2023 BOOST National. 

  • The BOOST National, is one of six major events of the Grand Slam of Curling, featuring the top 15 teams on the World Curling Federation's Order of Merit. It takes place from November 7 to 12, 2023.

  • The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund.

Contacts

Hugo Alvarez
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
Hugo.Alvarez@ised-isde.gc.ca

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

Graham MacNeil
Chief Operating Officer
902-759-6346
Graham.macneil@pcwellnesscentre.ca

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