Funding to Upgrade Digby Arena

The Digby Arena will soon receive much-needed repairs after it was forced to close early for the season.

The Province is investing $1.5 million toward structural and mechanical upgrades to the 38-year-old facility.

“This arena is more than a recreation centre – it’s an important hub for community life in Digby,” said Jill Balser, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and MLA for Digby-Annapolis, on behalf of Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “These improvements will ensure the Digby Arena provides residents with opportunities to come together and be active for many years to come.”

The facility closed in early March, six weeks earlier than planned, after the ice plant condenser broke down. Minor hockey games, curling tournaments and figure skating events all had to be moved to rinks outside of the area.

The Digby Area Recreation Commission, which manages the facility, is moving quickly to make sure the arena is ready to reopen in the fall. In addition to replacing the condenser, repairs will address several structural issues with the building that were identified in a recent engineering assessment.

Quotes:

“We are thrilled to receive this provincial grant, which is crucial for the urgent repairs needed at the Digby Arena. This facility is more than just an arena; it’s the heart of our community, providing a welcoming space where people of all ages or abilities can come together. With these improvements, we can continue to offer safe, inclusive programs that enhance the well-being of all residents and strengthen our vital community and school partnerships.”
— Sharon MacAlpine, Recreation Director, Digby Area Recreation Commission

Quick Facts:

• the facility was built in 1987 and is co-owned by the Town of Digby and the Municipality of the District of Digby
• the arena includes one ice pad, seven dressing rooms, recreation staff offices, a meeting room and a canteen
• the arena shares an ice plant with the curling club, which has four ice sheets, two washrooms and a clubhouse with bar and kitchen

Additional Resources:

Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage grants and programs: https://cch.novascotia.ca/investing-in-our-future

Online grant finder tool: https://beta.novascotia.ca/find-grants-offered-through-department-communities-culture-tourism-and-heritage