FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THE CENTRAL NOVA SCOTIA REGIONAL CIVIC CENTRE PROJECT

A sense of expectation and excitement was palpable here today, as Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived in Truro to announce the Federal Government of Canada’s commitment of  $10 million to the Central Nova Scotia Regional Civic Centre Project. 

This announcement brings the total funding committed from municipal, provincial and federal governments to $44 Million.  A Community capital campaign is expected to raise an additional $ 5 million, to finalize funding required for the facility, expected to open in the fall of 2012.

On hand for the celebratory announcement was Civic Centre Project Co-Chair Bob Taylor, who stated “Our community has realized the importance of building this facility for some time and it is wonderful to see all levels of government step forward and share the same vision.  Jon Stanfield, Chair of the “Ignite the Spirit” Campaign has been working behind the scenes for some time to finalize this third stream of government funding and we are thankful to Prime Minister Harper, Peter MacKay and Scott Armstrong for delivering the commitment on behalf of the Federal Government. Now it is up to us as a community to make this happen.  I have to say I am very excited and happy to be here today for this historic announcement.” 

The facility is expected to include a 3200 seat event stadium, NHL sized ice surface, walking/jogging track, aquatic centre, fitness centre, multi-purpose/professional space, community meeting space, climbing wall and a number of other amenities to meet the needs of Central Nova Scotia residents. 

 “This announcement is yet another milestone in the progress of this community project and is an investment that will improve the quality of life for all residents, not only in Central Nova, but also in the rest of the province and beyond,” noted Greg MacArthur, a Project Co-Chair.  “The cooperation between The Town of Truro and County of Colchester has helped bring the project to where it is today.  This relationship, coupled with the countless volunteer hours on the part of our project steering committee and their respective sub-committees, has clearly shown the wonderful things that can be done when we all work together.  There is no doubt whatsoever that we will have a Centre that will exceed all of our expectations.

 In July, 2008 the Town of Truro and the County of Colchester together signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide the citizens of Central Nova Scotia with a multi-purpose recreational, sport and community gathering place.  The vision of the proposed Civic Centre is to move beyond the offerings of a traditional recreational facility and meet a variety of needs for all of the community.