Our new Civic Centre – much more than you might think!

Since the idea of a new health and wellness centre for our Region surfaced, more than five years ago, it was clear that a vision for the Centre must focus on the needs of all residents of Central Nova Scotia.  When it became clear that the Centre would become a reality, that pieces were beginning to fall into place, the members of the Project Steering Committee thought it important to develop a vision for the proposed facility, one which could be shared by people of our community, and one in which we could all believe:

A heart can be made of bricks and mortar.  And a lifeblood composed for steel and glass.  But what pumps energy and vitality into any community is the quality of the interactions its people enjoy.  Which is why this world class development will be so much more than a place to meet,  swim, skate, train, and play.  It will be a place of interaction, of conversation, of community.  And it will ensure the continued growth and prosperity of this place we call home.

As members of the community, we have often heard the comment “It’s just going to be another hockey rink,” In fact; it will be so much more.  A centre for entertainment and recreation, for personal and team sport, for health and wellness, and a place of family and community gatherings, the new Civic Centre will become a social and economic nucleus of our Region.  The unique design of the proposed 150,000 sq ft. facility will embody the Region’s culture, history and ethnic diversity.  We have seen what similar facilities have done for other communities, like Port Hawkesbury and Summerside.  In addition to the flurry of excitement and activity the addition of these community facilities have engendered, they have also introduced new and exciting opportunities that would not have been possible before.   

It is safe to say there will be something for everyone.  The Aquatic Centre will house an eight lane competitive pool coupled with a leisure pool to meet the needs of all user groups.  This Centre has been designed with both competition and personal sport in mind so whether it is for rehabilitation, swimming lessons or a competitive meet, the Aquatic Centre will be able accommodate the activity.

There will be ample community and public space, which has been designed to be warm and welcoming.  This versatile space will accommodate a variety of activities from rock climbing to art classes to the meeting of local clubs and societies.  It will provide an inviting space to gather to watch an event, to compete, to meet friends for coffee, or to sit in the open areas and enjoy the facility.

The arena and event venue will have an NHL sized ice surface, a 3 lane walking/running track and state of the art capabilities to host large events and tradeshows.  The Centre’s convenient central location near exit 13, and its distinctive design, will make it a destination for sport, recreation and business for our region.   

The preliminary designs have the fitness centre overlooking the Aquatic Centre.  It will be equipped with the latest in weights and cardio equipment so whether the goal is personal health or elite athletic training, the inclusion of the fitness facility will play an essential role in the development of healthy lifestyles and a healthy community.

Our new Civic Centre will be so much more than an amalgam of what we have now – not just  a hockey rink nor simply a new pool, our Civic Centre  will be  a place for our community to gather, play and thrive.  It will provide a lasting legacy of a healthy and active population, and it will provide residents of all ages a world class facility to call their own.