Premier Announces Grant for New Regional Civic Centre

Residents of Colchester County and the Town of Truro are one step closer to building a new multi-use regional civic centre thanks to a provincial investment of $10 million.

Premier Rodney MacDonald made the announcement today, Nov. 24, in Truro.

"This project demonstrates our commitment to building infrastructure across the province and making our communities healthier and safer," said Premier MacDonald. "The Regional Civic Centre for central Nova Scotia will be an excellent addition to sport and recreation facilities in the province and will serve residents of Colchester County and the Town of Truro for years to come."

The funding, from the province's B-FIT program, will help develop the project along with funding from the Municipality of Colchester and the Town of Truro.

"The province's commitment is critical to make this project a reality," said Bob Taylor, mayor of the County of Colchester. "The civic centre is badly needed, and our residents are looking forward to having more healthy lifestyle activities and recreational opportunities."

"I am very pleased to see real concrete progress being made on this Civic Centre project with this announcement," said Bill Mills, mayor of Truro. "This will be a great legacy to the people of our area, and I am truly grateful for the participation of the province of Nova Scotia."

The facility will have 2,500 to 3,000 seats, NHL-sized ice surface, a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, fitness facilities, walking track and multi-purpose/community rooms. The facility will also include office space for the potential community partners.

The project also includes $2.4 million in upgrades to Legion Stadium. The upgrades include a new concrete floor with new boards, installation of accessible washrooms and elevator, and lighting, electrical and refrigeration upgrades.

The total cost of the project is about $35.5 million.

The B-FIT program was introduced in 2007 and will invest $68 million over 10 years to construct sport and recreation infrastructure. This is in addition to the $3 million invested annually in recreation facility grants.

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