Source: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210609007
The Nova Scotia government is partnering with the federal government and Cape Breton Regional Municipality in a $600,000 investment to upgrade Centre 200 in Sydney.
The upgrade to the rink boards will improve safety for local athletes, amateur skaters and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s (QMJHL’s) Cape Breton Eagles.
“This is an important investment allowing for continued use of a valued and popular community centre,” said Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Suzanne Lohnes-Croft. “One of our priorities is to ensure that all Nova Scotians have opportunities to enjoy a safe and active lifestyle. Centre 200 is another great example of a welcoming, inclusive and accessible cultural facility for people of all ages.”
Each level of government is contributing $200,000 toward the rink board replacement. The QMJHL requires rink boards in facilities used by their franchises to be replaced regularly.
The current rink boards are still in good condition and Centre 200 is donating them to the Sydney Mines and District Community Centre. The province is investing an additional $50,000 to cover the costs of this installation.
Quotes:
Jaime Battiste, member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of Maryam Monsef, federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
Sports and recreation infrastructure are crucial to keeping our communities healthy, strong and vibrant. Today’s investments in the Centre 200 ice rink board upgrade will ensure local athletes and skaters can benefit from a safer space to stay active. Our government will continue to support projects like this across Canada, because we know that when our small communities thrive, we all benefit.
Amanda McDougall, mayor, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Support from all levels of government for our recreation infrastructure is a win-win situation for all. This investment will bring our facility up to safe standards and create the opportunity for our community to host national and international sporting events. Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s quality infrastructure, incredible scenery and memorable cultural experiences set us apart as a world-class event destination.
John Higgins, vice-president, Sydney Mines & District Community Centre
On behalf of the Sydney Mines and District Community Centre, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage for supporting our initiative to refit our facility with new boards and glass. This project will inject new life into the community centre, and it would not be possible without this generous support.
Quick Facts:
- Centre 200 is Sydney’s sports, recreational, cultural and entertainment facility built to celebrate Sydney’s 200th birthday in 1985
- the QMJHL requires rink boards to be replaced every five years due to concussion regulations
- the Sydney Mines & District Community Centre includes an indoor rink and community centre for the people of Sydney Mines and surrounding areas
Additional Resources:
- Federal Announcement: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2021/06/investing-in-safer-recreation-infrastructure-for-cape-breton-residents.html
- Centre 200: https://www.centre200.ca
- Sydney Mines & District Community Centre: https://www.facebook.com/sydminescdcentre
-30-
Media Contact:
Amelia Jarvis
Cell: 902-430-5680
Email: Amelia.Jarvis@novascotia.ca