Government of Canada Supporting Community Infrastructure in Atlantic Canada
July 21, 2015 Antigonish, N.S. Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The Antigonish Arena will benefit from improved recreational facilities thanks in part to Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) funding announced today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA).
The Government of Canada has approved a contribution of $250,250 for the Antigonish Arena Commission to replace the arena flooring, and install new dasher boards and glass to meet current safety standards. This funding is part of the up to $16.6 million in funding allocated for projects in Atlantic Canada under CIP 150, announced earlier this year by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Antigonish Arena partners, the Town and County of Antigonish, each contributed $437,000, respectively, and the Province of Nova Scotia contributed a further $25,000 toward the improvements, which are due to be completed before peak hockey and figure skating season.
The national Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is providing up to $150 million over two years to support projects that rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing public infrastructure for communities. It is part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships and modernize existing community facilities.
In Atlantic Canada, CIP 150 is administered through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Quick Facts:
- The arena is used for minor hockey and figure skating programming, adult hockey leagues as well as the annual regional agricultural exhibition. Hockey and figure skating schools also use the facility during the summer months. When the arena is not booked for programmed activities, it is open for rentals by the general public.
- The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is one of several infrastructure-related initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken to generate well-being and prosperity in communities across Canada.
- Infrastructure investments are a proven, effective means of boosting economic activity and enhancing the quality of life for Canadian families.
- Projects that will be supported by the program will be chosen based on assessment criteria including construction-readiness and public benefit, the extent to which funding is leveraged from other sources and linkages to Canada 150.
- Total federal government funding will be a maximum of 50 per cent of the total eligible costs for projects in Atlantic Canada.
- The Government of Canada’s contributions are contingent on the execution of contribution agreements with recipients.
- Selected projects are expected to be completed by March 31, 2018.
Quotes:
“The 150th anniversary of Confederation is a time to celebrate the places across this great country that unite and connect us – the parks, the trails, the cultural and community centres, the sports arenas and more. The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will have a lasting impact in Atlantic Canada and will ensure residents, such as those here in Antigonish, have access to improved community spaces.
- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minster of State, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
“As in many rural areas, the Arena is one of the focal points of our community. The Government of Canada support announced today will enable us to carry out meaningful upgrades to this essential year-round public facility, and ensure Antigonish remains a great place to live, work and do business.”
- Carl Chisholm, Mayor, Town of Antigonish
Associated Links:
www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/CIP150
http://canada.pch.gc.ca/canada150
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Clarissa Lamb
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417/902-830-3839 (cell)
Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Bud MacInnis
Manager, Antigonish Arena
902-863-1469
