The Town of Truro and Municipality of Colchester are presently seeking six highly motivated, skilled and dynamic citizen representatives to fill vacancies on the Civic Centre Operating Board.  Three representatives from each municipal jurisdiction will be sought and appointments made by respective Councils. Individuals interested in participating in this capacity are asked to respond in writing by February 24, 2012. Applications must outline areas of interest, credentials, related experience, contact information, as well as any other relevant information.

 Applications should be forwarded to:

Or by email to:  ignitethespirit@colchester.ca

Project details, including an overview of the Operating Board – Responsibilities & Code of Conduct can be viewed by clicking this link:

As you drive by the Abenaki Rd. construction site your attention is likely drawn to the daily progress.  Structural steel in the pool area closest to the 102 series highway commenced during the first week of January and should be complete by mid February.  This will be followed by the installation of curtain wall and the multi-color metal siding that has recently begun going up on the arena side of the building. The western parking area (aquatics side) was paved and marked in mid December and the eastern portion (arena side) is about 75% complete and will be finished in the early spring.   What is even more impressive is the tremendous progress in the interior of the arena, the concrete slab for the three lane walking/jogging track was completed in the second week of January and masonry block for the washrooms in this area is underway.  Overall, the building is taking shape and each day we are able to get an idea of what the finished product will look like. 

The Ignite the Spirit Campaign is one milestone closer to achieving its $5 million goal with the recent announcement that it has reached the $4 million mark.  The campaign’s success to date would not be possible without the generosity of many individuals and businesses from Central Nova Scotia and beyond.  But, there is still $ 1 million left to go, and the campaign team encourages everyone to consider a donation, big or small, every dollar counts and will go towards the construction of this great facility.  There are many ways to donate, visit our website www.ignitethespirit.ca or give the campaign office a call to discuss your options, 893.9706. 

A unique way to Ignite the Spirit is through the recently launched “Name that Seat” Campaign.  We have seen much interest and a great response to this initiative as many see it as a wonderful way to recognize their family, a friend or in memory of a loved one in the new Centre.  For $500, donors will have a permanent plaque placed on the back of an arena seat and their donation is eligible for a tax receipt.  Donors will also have the opportunity to select the seat they would like to name and this is done on a first come first serve basis so don’t delay, give the campaign office a call or visit our website to donate online.  Seat naming is for recognition purposes only in the Centre and does not guarantee the seat for events.

As we turn the calendar over to 2012, we are very excited to say that the Centre will be open this year.  It is incredible to think that more than four years of planning has passed and in approximately eight months it will all become a reality.  Soon enough, the doors will be open to this wonderful facility providing new opportunities for the entire community, from rock climbing to the amazing new walking track (that will have amazing views of Colchester County) to cultural events,  the new Centre will have something for everyone and will be a long awaited, welcome addition to our community.

Exterior of the Building

Dave Mills (centre) and Jim Goit (right) of the Rotary Club of Truro are shown with Ignite the Spirit Campaign Chair, Jon Stanfield for the announcement that the campaign has reached the $4 million mark.  The Rotary Club recently commited $30,000 to the campaign in support of the Civic Centre Project.

“We are pleased with our progress to date and would not be where we are today without the generosity of many individuals and businesses” notes Campaign Chair, Jon Stanfield.  “The response to the campaign by the community has been tremendous, we are grateful to all of our donors and thankful for their commitment to this great project” adds Stanfield.

The success of the $5 million Ignite the Spirit Campaign has come from a significant number of donations and community events including last summer’s Blue Rodeo concert.  Most recently was a $30,000 donation by the Rotary Club of Truro that brought the campaign to the $4 million mark.

“While we are pleased with our progress to date, in order to reach our goal we need continued support from people and businesses from this region and beyond” notes Stanfield.  “This facility will have a lasting impact on our health and well-being of our citizens whether young or old, and we are hopeful that community members consider the Ignite the Spirit as part of their charitable giving” adds Stanfield.

The $5 million Ignite the Spirit Campaign was publically launched in March of 2011 and is the final funding piece required for the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Project.  The remaining funding has been confirmed by the Municipality of Colchester, Town of Truro, Federal Government of Canada and Province of Nova Scotia.  The Civic Centre will include a 2600 seat event arena, NHL sized ice surface, walking/jogging trace, aquatic centre, fitness centre, multi-purpose/community meeting space and a rock climbing wall.  Construction began in September, 2010 and the facility is on target for a fall, 2012 opening.

The County of Colchester and Town of Truro councils have long believed that the building of the new Civic Centre will provide countless economic and social opportunities for residents of this Region and beyond.  Combined, the two councils have contributed $24 million towards the construction of the facility demonstrating their commitment to providing the residents of Central Nova Scotia with a first class, accessible facility for all to enjoy.   When opened, the facility be owned by the Town of Truro and County of Colchester and operated by a “not for profit” board of directors comprised of council representatives and community volunteers.

“We are committed to the construction of a facility that is accessible and affordable for all” notes project Co-Chair and Town of Truro Councillor, Greg MacArthur.  “There will be something for everyone to enjoy, from seniors to youths, recreational to competitive athletes, it will be a facility that will be far more than a place to just swim and skate” adds MacArthur. 

Bob Taylor, Project Co-Chair and Mayor of the County of Colchester adds” already we have seen great response to the Centre and the impact it will have on all of us.  Project staff has worked closely with community organizations and groups to secure future events and we are currently in the process of hiring a facility General Manager.  All in all, a lot has been achieved over the last twelve months and we look forward to seeing it come to fruition in 2012.”

Construction continues to move along with work on the building envelope being the main focus.  The roof on the arena side and masonry block is near completion while work on installing the backpan and curtain wall continues.  It should be noted that the green backpan that you see when you drive by is not the color the Centre will be; over the coming months the crew will begin installing the metal siding that will be various shades of grey and will cover the backpan.  On the aquatics side, concrete work continues and we will soon see steel being erected and the walls beginning to be formed.  Early in the New Year, the tender process will finish up with the final tenders for the score clock, rock climbing wall, soft landscaping, water slide and signage being awarded.

There are a number of exciting initiatives ongoing including the most recent announcement that the project is seeking the talents of a professional artist or artist team for exterior artwork to be located in the concourse area of the new Centre.  Artists must be a current or former residents of Nova Scotia and the artwork they propose be a landmark that reflects the “Ignite the Spirit” theme that has been carried through the $5 million community fundraising campaign.  The inclusion of an art piece in the new Centre will provide the opportunity to showcase the talents of our local artists and enhance the interior and exterior of the Civic Centre for the enjoyment of our community and those who visit all while demonstrating this Regions rich culture and history.

The Ignite the Spirit campaign continues to go strong, with $4 million of its $5 million goal raised to date.  There are many ways to support the community campaign including the recently launched “Name that Seat” Campaign.   The “Name that Seat” Campaign gives residents of Central Nova Scotia and beyond the opportunity to name one of the 2600 arena seats in memory or in honour of a friend or relative, or in recognition of a special occasion or achievement.   Each seat costs $500, and entitles the donor to a permanent inscription on an arena seat along with an official tax receipt all while supporting a great initiative.  Don’t delay, check out our website at www.ignitethespirit.ca and play your part in supporting the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre, a place for our community to gather, play and thrive.

The “Name that Seat” Campaign will give residents of Central Nova Scotia and beyond the opportunity to name one of the 2600 arena seats in memory or in honour of a friend or relative, or in recognition of a special occasion or achievement. Each seat costs $500, and entitles the donor to a permanent inscription on an arena seat along with an official tax receipt all while supporting a great initiative. Funds generated from “Name that Seat” will go towards the $5 million Ignite the Spirit Campaign, which is the final piece of the funding puzzle towards the construction of the new Centre.
“The Name that Seat Campaign provides a unique and memorable way to contribute to the Ignite the Spirit Community Campaign” notes campaign chair, Jon Stanfield. “The opportunity to name a seat will create a permanent and lasting place for an individual to be part of this great community project. Whether naming for family, business or in honour of someone, it will have a lasting legacy for years to come” adds Stanfield.
There are a number of ways to “Name that Seat” including online at http://www.ignitethespirit.ca/name-that-seat.ca or by cash, cheque, credit card, debit or gift of stock. Donors also have the option to pledge their generous donation over two years with the ability to do weekly/monthly/quarterly or yearly payments. For more information please contact the campaign office at 902.893.9706 or by email at ignitethespirit@colchester.ca
Construction of the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre began in September, 2010 and the facility is on target for a September, 2012 opening. Included in the facility will be a 2600 seat event arena, NHL sized ice surface, walking/jogging track, aquatic centre, fitness centre, multi-purpose/community meeting space and a rock climbing wall.

Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Project Co-Chair, Greg MacArthur notes “the inclusion of an art piece in the new Centre will provide the opportunity to showcase the talents of our local artists and enhance the interior and exterior of the Civic Centre for the enjoyment of our community and those who visit.”

Artists are asked that the exterior artwork they propose be a landmark that reflects the “Ignite the Spirit” theme that has been carried through the $5 million community fundraising campaign. “Our Region is rich in history and culture and what better way to demonstrate this but through a showcase piece in the Civic Centre” adds Project Co-Chair, Bob Taylor.

The Expression of Interest can be found by clicking on the link: EOI – Public Art Project – v2_2

Check us out on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXMCA6HBJ6o

“We’re very excited with this announcement, especially with the new facility being in place in time for the tournament”, said Bearcats Governor Stuart Rath. “We were successful with the event in 2002, so we’re very pleased to host the Fred Page Cup again in Truro.” Bearcats Media Relations Officer Gerry Hale, who put in a great deal of work on the bid alongside Bearcats President Keith MacKenzie, was also pleased with the news and feels the team will be in an excellent position to host a quality Eastern Canadian Championship. “We worked hard and put in a good bid package”, explained Hale. “It’s exciting and it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase our organiztion, our new arena and the MHL. We’re really looking forward to putting on this event in 2013”.

 “The Bearcats organization put together a very strong bid and will undoubtedly organize a first class Championship”, added League President Derryl Smith. “Truro offers experience as a host team and community, and with a new building under construction it will be a very exciting time for the Bearcats, their fans and the league.” 

John Lynn, Chairman of the MHL Board of Governors, sees Truro’s hosting as another great opportunity for the MHL. “This announcement represents another excellent opportunity for the MHL to showcase our players, coaches and fans”, said Lynn. “We are all greatly looking forward to being in Truro for the Fred Page Cup in 2013.”  

Specific dates for the event, which is traditionally held in late April, will be announced at a later time.

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For More Information, please contact:

Mike Carter Phone: 902-742-9254

Avid Media Ltd. Cell: 902-740-3410

e-mail: mike.avidmedia@tri-star.ca

The Ignite the Spirit Campaign team has been busy in the community meeting and chatting with individuals and groups in their efforts to raise funds towards its $5 million goal. The common theme of questions asked of our volunteers is in regards to the operations of the new Civic Centre and how things such as memberships will work.  The new Centre will be owned by the Town of Truro and County of Colchester and operated by a not-for-profit operations board of directors comprised of community volunteers and council representatives from both the Town and County.  The General Manager and facility staff when hired, together with the Operating Board will determine a suitable fee structure including pricing for memberships.  A goal of both councils since the outset of the project is to make the facility affordable and accessible to all.  Additionally, it is anticipated that membership structure will be set up in such a way that users will have the option to tailor their membership to include the activities they enjoy i.e. if you choose to swim, then purchase an aquatic membership only. As well, if there are multiple activities i.e. rock climbing, fitness centre and pool combined then members will have the option to purchase a combined membership.  It is anticipated that memberships will be set up in a tiered structure, offering variety and choices to those who plan to join. 

The recruitment process for the Civic Centre has begun for a General Manager which is expected to be filled by January.  Although operations staff has not yet been hired, work towards booking events and promoting the centre has progressed and moved forward.  Project staff has been working with several community groups on bids to secure events such as the 55+ Seniors Games, Nova Scotia Music Week and more recently bidding on the 2013 Fred Page Cup just to name a few.  Beyond these events, requests for future bookings are being accepted by project staff on a tentative basis, to inquire please phone 893.9706 or email ignitethespirit@colchester.ca.  Interest in the new centre has been promising and the opportunities that lay ahead are very exciting.

On the construction side of things, work continues to move along on schedule with exceptional progress made daily. On the exterior, curtain wall on the McClure’s Mills Rd. side of the centre is taking shape and soon steel erection will begin over the aquatic centre side of the building closest to the 102 Highway.  This keeps things on track for much of the building to be enclosed by January, just in time for the winter months.  The parking lot(s), located on both side of the building are currently being prepped for the first round of asphalt with curb work just completed. 

If you have any questions, or comments that you would like to share, we can be reached through our website www.ignitethespirit.ca by email at ignitethespirit@colchester.ca or phone at 902.893.9706.

The Fred Page Cup is the Eastern Canadian Junior A Hockey Championship that sees the Bogart Cup champions of the Central Junior Hockey League, the Kent Cup champions of the Maritime Hockey League, La Coupe NAPA champions of the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League and a host team compete to advance to the Royal Bank Cup. 

Truro Bearcats owner Stu Rath says “ it’s an exciting event that will showcase some of Canada’s highest-calibre hockey right here in Truro.”  Mr. Rath adds “ it will also be a great way to show off the new civic centre’s location and facilities.”

The Bearcats have participated in the Fred Page Cup three times. That took place twice as the Bearcats were Maritime Hockey League champions and once as the ‘Cats were playing host to the event in 2002.    Truro-Colchester is competing with Amherst for the event.   A bid presentation will be made in Moncton on November 26^th by Destination Colchester’s Creston Rudolph and representatives of the Truro Bearcats.