Lantz, Nova Scotia, April 14, 2012 –The newly renovated and expanded East Hants Sportsplex will give residents access to high-quality sports and recreation opportunities, helping them stay fit and healthy while having fun. Today’s opening ceremony was attended by Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. The Honourable John MacDonell, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, John Patterson, Warden for the Municipality of the District of East Hants and Greg Roach, President of the East Hants Arena Association, were also in attendance.
“This project created local jobs, supported our economy and will contribute to the health and well-being of the families and residents of East Hants for many years to come,” said MP Armstrong. “Our government is proud to have invested in the renewal of this important facility, which will provide countless opportunities for local residents to get active.”
A year-round facility, the East Hants Sportsplex will serve as a central hub for important community activities.
The project involved the renovation and expansion of the existing Sportsplex, from 42,370 square feet to more than 166,000. The facility now has a second ice surface, an indoor soccer field house with a walking/running track, two multi-purpose rooms with a reception area, and dressing rooms. Renovations included upgrading the mechanical and electrical systems, installing a new elevator, and repaving the existing parking lot.
“Investing in community facilities that promote good health encourages Nova Scotians to lead healthier, more active lifestyles,” said John MacDonell, Minister for Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. “Our community is rapidly growing; young families are putting down roots, and this facility ensures they have access to resources to help them get fit, stay healthy and have fun.”
John Patterson, Warden for the Municipality of East Hants, says that he has learned to never underestimate the power of volunteers as it took many years of hard work and dedication, and he congratulates the board on their hard work.
“The expansion of the East Hants Sportsplex is a significant step forward in a time when there is increasing emphasis on exercise and activity,” said Mr. Patterson. “The Sportsplex is one of only a few such facilities in Nova Scotia that is self-supporting in its operating costs. Unfortunately, one of the hardest workers has not lived to see the conclusion of his hard work- but we thank you, Keith Miller.”
“Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, community supporters and commitment from all levels of government, the East Hants Sportsplex has truly become a center for the community. The health and social benefits this facility is providing to a very wide range of people is truly the payoff for a lot of hard work,” said Greg Roach, President of the East Hants Arena Association.
The Government of Canada has contributed $3 million towards this $15.9 million project—$2 million from the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund led by Infrastructure Canada, and $1 million from the Innovative Communities Fund led by ACOA. The Province of Nova Scotia has provided $6.632 million to the project. The Municipality of East Hants and the East Hants Arena Association shared the remaining project costs.
The Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund provides funding for infrastructure projects of national and regional significance. This program supports major infrastructure projects that contribute to—among other things—cultural, economic, sport and tourism development.
The Innovative Communities Fund invests in strategic projects that build the economies of Atlantic Canada's communities. Working in partnership with Atlantic communities and stakeholders, the Fund builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities available for their sustainable economic growth.
Canada and Nova Scotia are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve infrastructure.
For additional information about investments in infrastructure, please visit infrastructure.gc.ca.
Aussi disponible en français à infrastructure.gc.ca.
Contacts:
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or
Toll free 1-877-250-7154
Angela Green
Facility Manager
East Hants Sportsplex
902-883-9906
Christopher Brooks
Manager, Communications and Outreach
ACOA (Nova Scotia)
902-426-4790 / 902-789-5184 (cell)
chris.brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Susan D Mader-Zinck
Communications Advisor
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
902-722-1461
madersd@gov.ns.ca
Tony Kiritsis
Health and Wellness
902-424-0585
E-mail: tony.kiritsis@gov.ns.ca
