Venues Announced for Games

In 1969, an island was moved to clear the way for Canada Games kayakers on Lake Banook in Dartmouth. Now, 40 years later, the Halifax 2011 Canada Games Host Society will move mountains to host the country's best young skiers and snowboarders.

Fifteen million dollars will be allocated to two ski hills in Nova Scotia and 11 other sport venues for upgrades to prepare for the 2011 Canada Winter Games, to be hosted in Halifax Feb. 11-27.

"This investment will ensure the Games legacy of promoting sport will resonate for generations to come," said Jean-Paul Deveau, chair, 2011 board of directors.

Of the $15 million, Halifax Regional Municipality will contribute $6.85 million, while the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia have each committed $3 million. The host society will contribute the remainder of the $15 million.

"This new and improved infrastructure will leave a long legacy for the province," said Pat Dunn, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "But the 2011 Games will also provide tremendous opportunities for Nova Scotians to participate, whether it's as an athlete, a coach, a volunteer, a spectator or a supporter. I encourage all Nova Scotians to get involved."

"The federal investment in the 2011 Canada Games will create opportunities for our workers, companies, and benefit the economy in this region for years to come," said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "I am confident that these new and enhanced sport facilities will increase sport participation and will give our future athletes the tools they need to succeed and excel."

"Our investment today will bring about direct economic benefits, improved facilities, exposure on the national stage, as well as, promote sport and healthy lifestyles here in our region," said Mayor Peter Kelly.

As part of this funding, Ski Wentworth will receive $3.2 million in upgrades to the ski hill, trails, and snowmaking in order to host alpine and freestyle ski.

Ski Martock will host snowboarding, cross-country skiing and biathlon. Martock will receive up to $4.2 million for upgrades to the ski hill, trails, and snowmaking.

Badminton, artistic gymnastics, and synchronized swimming competitions will take place at the Mainland Common Centre - the $40.5-million facility that will be a centrepiece of the Games. The host society will contribute $1 million towards this project.

St. Margaret's Centre in St. Margarets Bay has been allocated up to $932,250 to make the necessary upgrades to host short-track speed skating and figure skating. The rink will be expanded to allow for the short track, and new seating.

The Halifax Forum will receive $892,400 in improvements for dressing rooms and the concourse. The Forum will host boxing.

Six-hundred-and-ninety-six thousand dollars will go towards a temporary long-track speed skating oval, to be built on the Halifax Common for the 2011 Games.

Dartmouth Sportsplex will co-host men's and women's hockey, and will receive up to $455,000 for new boards and glass and dressing room upgrades. Cole Harbour Place will receive up to $336,000 to make similar upgrades to host ringette.

St. Mary's University will receive up to $215,000 for upgrades so it can host squash and judo. The Mayflower Curling Club will receive up to $86,000 for upgrades to its ice plant and will host men's and women's curling.

Two venues have yet to be determined. One will host judo and wheelchair basketball, and the other will host archery and shooting. Each will be allocated $25,000 for capital improvements.

The Halifax Metro Centre will host the opening and closing ceremonies, and will co-host men's and women's hockey.

In addition to the funding for capital construction, $700,000 will go toward the purchase of sport equipment for the 20 sports of the Games.

Mike Leroux, general manager of the St. Margaret's Centre, said the investment will add a new dynamic to the centre, which counted 650,000 people through its doors in 2008.

"We've been looking forward to this announcement ever since our community came together to help win the right to host the Games. The investment will leave a long legacy that will add new life to the short course speed skating community in Nova Scotia, and Atlantic Canada," said Leroux.

The capital funding is part of the $31-million investment from federal, provincial, and municipal governments to organize and stage the 2011 Games.

The 2011 Canada Winter Games will be the largest sporting event yet held in Halifax and the city's first Canada Winter Games. More than 2,700 athletes will come to compete in more than 20 sports, attracting thousands of visitors, VIPs, officials and media.

Beyond the impact on the sporting community, the Games are expected to contribute about $80 million for the local economy.

As work progresses on venue construction, details and updated information will be available at www.canadagames2011.ca .