Springhill Community to Benefit From New Centre

SPORT/RECREATION COMMISSION--Springhill Community Centre to be Built

The people of Springhill and surrounding communities will benefit from the province's $500,000 investment towards the construction of a new community centre and recreational facility in the town. Speaker Murray Scott announced the funding today, Oct. 21, on behalf of Sport and Recreation Minister Rodney MacDonald.

"This facility will be an important resource for the Town of Springhill, and indeed many communities in Cumberland County," said Mr. Scott. "It will provide a venue for many community activities, not only a variety of physical activities, but also important social, cultural and economic activities -- such as conferences and meetings."

Funding for the project is part of the Sport and Recreation Commission's Recreation Facility Development program.

The announcement comes on the heels of a funding partnership announcement this morning between the Town of Springhill and the Canada-Nova Scotia Infrastructure Program. That partnership agreement will see the long-awaited replacement for the former arena complex, which collapsed in 2001.

The $6.8-million facility will be built in four stages and will eventually house the arena, offices, a youth centre, community meeting room and a gymnasium. Plans for the project are the result of an extensive community needs assessment.

"I am proud to see all levels of government and the community investing in such an important part of Springhill's infrastructure. The realization of this project is a result of a lot of hard work on the part of so many," said Mr. Scott.

The Sport and Recreation Commission's Recreation Facility Development program helps municipalities and community groups plan, construct, renovate, conserve or acquire facilities for public recreation purposes. The provincial funding to the town of Springhill will be paid out over two years.