Getting a Glimpse of the Finished Product

It is amazing what can happen in a month, and in the case of the construction of the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre, it is even more impressive.  Since my last editorial, significant progress has not only been made with the construction of our new Regional Civic Centre but also with the Ignite the Spirit Campaign and I am pleased to share that milestones continue to be achieved and construction continues to move along given the ups and downs that Mother Nature has thrown at us.

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