Investment in New Community Hub in Antigonish

The province is investing more than $500,000 in improved facilities for veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, and their families in Antigonish.

Finance and Treasury Board Minister Randy Delorey announced the funding today, March 27, on behalf of Tony Ince, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. It will be used for a new multi-use facility at the former National Philatelic Centre Building on St. Ninian Street to support community activities and events.

“We want our communities to be strong and we want Nova Scotians to be connected to their communities,” said Mr. Delorey. “That’s why I’m pleased the province is able to support this great partnership between the Canadian Association for Community Living and our local Legion Branch 59, because they make Antigonish stronger through their work in the community.”

The Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 are acquiring the building to replace their aging facilities and to serve as a community hub and recreation centre.

The new centre will include:

• a 6,200 square-foot auditorium for recreation programs and community events
• a commercial-sized kitchen
• a woodshop serving seven supplies stores
• a bakery and small café
• 1,200 square feet to house the Legion and a mini museum of military artifacts.

"The CACL Antigonish and Antigonish Legion Branch 59 are excited to participate in this endeavour,” said Jeff Teasdale, executive director, CACL Antigonish. “Together, with the support of the province, we will be better equipped to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as our veterans.”

The province is investing $508,000 toward the $2.1 million project, which includes funding from other levels of government, the legion, Canadian Association for Community Living, and money raised through a capital campaign.

The new facility will also be a venue for the Special Olympics Canada 2018 Summer Games in Antigonish.

Investment in community and cultural organizations and advancing cultural diversity are vital parts of the province's recently unveiled culture strategy, Nova Scotia's Culture Action Plan. The full plan is online at novascotia.ca/culture/.