Motorcycle Rally, Curling Championships among Events to Benefit from New Upgrades, Equipment and Marketing
Digby, Nova Scotia – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Digby is developing a reputation as a great place to host events. The Digby Area Recreation Commission (DARC) is strengthening that reputation this year by upgrading the Digby Arena and Curling Centre, acquiring community-owned equipment and undertaking marketing activities. The project is aimed at building Digby’s capacity to host large-scale events, which create tangible benefits for the local economy.
DARC assists a number of local organizations in hosting events by providing infrastructure, equipment and support. The Wharf Rat Rally which attracts more than 22,000 motorcycle enthusiasts from across North America to Nova Scotia each year has become a key signature event. In 2011, the event’s economic impact was $8.9 million across Nova Scotia, with $5.7 million occurring in Digby, at local restaurants, accommodations and businesses.
With its arena and curling centre, DARC plays a central role in national and international sporting events, hosting the Canadian Senior Curling Championships and World Junior A Hockey Challenge. Now, they are gearing up to host the 2016 Canadian Senior Curling Championships, which is projected to have an economic impact of over $400,000.
To build on its expertise in managing great events—and generating economic spinoffs—DARC is now spearheading a comprehensive project that will further strengthen the community’s hosting abilities. They’re upgrading infrastructure at the arena and adjoining curling centre by adding new netting, rails and a PA system to enhance audience experience. Efficiency upgrades include heat pumps, dehumidifiers and glycol cooling, which will contribute to energy, water and cost savings. DARC is also acquiring multi-use event equipment that will be available to local organizations who currently have to rent items which can be costly, hard to find or unavailable altogether. New community-owned equipment includes tents, industrial fridges and aluminum bleachers. They’re also acquiring event safety equipment such as portable traffic lights, fencing, security cameras, LED signage and private channel radios. Marketing assistance through the project will help DARC and partners maximize the economic impact of events.
The Government of Canada is investing $231,265 in the project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). The Government of Nova Scotia is investing $45,000.
Quick Facts:
- DARC oversees the management of the Digby Area Arena, Digby Swimming Pool, Digby Curling Centre, Don Brown Memorial Ball Field and Vaughn VanTassell Memorial Playground. DARC also assists with soccer field maintenance at Digby Elementary School and Digby Regional High School.
- This year’s Wharf Rat Rally takes place from September 2-6, 2015
- The Canadian Senior Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships will take place in March 2016.
- Additional large-scale events hosted in Digby include the Lobster Bash from July 3-5, 2015 and Digby Scallop Days from August 7-9, 2015.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to invest in infrastructure, equipment and marketing to strengthen Digby’s capacity to host large-scale national and international events. This project builds on our community’s existing assets to create new opportunities and tangible benefits for our region.”
- Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Provincial government is pleased to support recreation facilities like the Digby Arena so that Nova Scotians have opportunities for physical activity as a healthy part of their daily lives. Upgrades to this arena will mean families in the Digby area have a place to skate, curl and play other ice sports for many years to come.”
- Gordon Wilson, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Clare-Digby
“Digby’s growing capacity to host large-scale events presents enormous benefits, not only from an economic development perspective, but from a community development standpoint. Our sense of community pride is tremendous, and projects like these reinforce that pride by building leadership and volunteer capacity.”
- Bob Powell, Manager, DARC
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Tony Kiritsis
Media Relations Advisor
Department of Health and Wellness
902-424-0585
E-mail: Tony.Kiritsis@novascotia.ca
Bob Powell
Manager
Digby Area Recreation Commission
902-245-1884 / (902) 247-2733
E-mail: darc@ns.aliantzinc.ca
