East Hants Sportsplex Receives Provincial Funding for Expansion

Expansion plans for the East Hants Sportsplex have been given a big boost thanks to an investment of $5.632 million in provincial funding.

Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, announced the provincial investment today, July 23, in Lantz.

The funding is from the province's B-FIT program and will be used to build an addition to the existing East Hants Sportsplex. It will include a new ice surface, a community room, and a multi-purpose fieldhouse for soccer, rugby, and a variety of other sports.

"Today's announcement will bring the expansion plans for the East Hants Sportsplex one step closer to reality," said Mr. Barnet. "We're so pleased to make this investment and support residents of the community who have been working tirelessly to improve their sport and recreational facilities."

The total cost of the expansion is expected to be about $16.9 million. The Municipality of East Hants is also contributing $3.5 million toward the expansion. The community has already started fundraising efforts to help meet the final target.

"We're extremely pleased with today's announcement by the provincial government to support our expansion project," said Tom Hunter, chair, East Hants Sportsplex Expansion Project. "The expanded facility will provide significant economic, cultural and health benefits to one of the fastest growing communities in Atlantic Canada. It's a great day for the citizens of East Hants."

Todd Williams, president of the East Hants Minor Hockey Association, said the investment is very exciting news.

"There is an acute need for ice time and expanding the sportsplex to include a second ice surface will give everyone in our community, from kids to seniors, the increased chance to play the game of hockey," said Mr. Williams. "A new fieldhouse is another great addition as it will provide off-ice opportunities for training and fitness programs for our players."

The East Hants Sportsplex, built in 1993, consists of one ice surface, one multi-purpose room, and a women's fitness centre.

Nova Scotia's B-FIT program was first introduced in 2007 and will invest $50 million over 10 years in the construction of sport and recreation infrastructure. This is in addition to the $3 million invested annually in recreation facility development grants.

B-FIT assists not-for-profit community groups and municipalities to develop facilities in order to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation.