Federal investment supports comfort centre in Big Pond, Cape Breton
News release
Local facility will be better equipped to provide services to community members
December 19, 2024 · Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Climate comfort centres play an essential role during extreme weather events, offering residents a place to shelter, charge devices, use the internet and check in with family and friends.
By providing a space where people can feel safe, supported, and connected during times of uncertainty, climate comfort centres help communities recover more quickly once the crisis has passed.
Today, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, announced $120,000 in non-repayable funding to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) to upgrade and equip the Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department as a community comfort centre. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
Enhancements include the installation of a new furnace and electrical panel upgrades as well as 35 new solar panels, and EV charging stations, making the facility greener and completely self-sufficient. These improvements will ensure residents have a safe and welcoming place to go during storms as well as providing a year-round community hub.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping communities prepare for possible climate-related disasters.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canadians know that to weather the storm, we need to pull together. ACOA and your federal government have your backs—we are investing to make sure that new climate comfort centres like the one in Big Pond have the capacity and resources to support and shelter folks when they need it most and get them back on their feet.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The funding announced today for the Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department is a part of our commitment to better prepare Canadians against extreme weather events. Our priority is always the safety and health of our communities and those who live in them. These centres provide reliable protection when a disaster strikes, along with being a safe haven for recovery efforts.”
- Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso
“Knowing there’s a safe place to go to during extreme weather brings peace of mind, especially for residents in our rural communities. These upgrades will help ensure the Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department can continue supporting the community when needed most.”
- Cecil P. Clarke, Mayor, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Quick facts
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The Big Pond Fire Hall serves the communities of Big Pond, Big Pond Centre, Irish Cove, Irish Vale and Ben Eoin, but no one seeking comfort will be turned away.
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The funding announced today was delivered through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF).
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Lori Selig
Acting Communications Director
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477
lori.selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Jenna MacQueen
Communications Advisor
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
902-574-6639
Jemacqueen@cbrm.ns.ca
Mike Kolanko
Hall Manager
Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department
902-578-6866
mkolanko@ns.sympatico.ca
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