Sharing the Vision!

Partnerships and cooperation to achieve common goals are two key ingredients of successful projects, and the civic centre is no exception. Since July, 2008 when the Town of Truro and County of Colchester joined together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding outlining a commitment towards a shared vision for the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre, partnerships with other community organizations are being explored and formed. Enthusiasm and openness to such initiatives within the community will truly transform ideas into reality and make this project unique to Eastern Canada.
One significant partnership the Civic Centre Project Steering Committee (PSC) is thrilled to confirm is the recent announcement that the Colchester East Hants Health Authority (CEHHA) has entered into a joint agreement for space and facility use within the civic centre. The location of the proposed civic centre relative to the Colchester East Hants Health Centre creates an excellent opportunity to share resources and develop community wellness programs that will have a positive impact on the minds, bodies, and spirit of our residents. Among a number of other positive attributes, this was a key consideration during the site selection process. From the CEHHA’s point of view, the delivery of lifestyle programs from a nearby and complementary facility enhances and lends support / resources to programming possibilities.
It is anticipated that the CEHHA will either locate or share space within the civic centre for the following programs:
- Seniors Clinic
- Palliative Care Program
- Rehabilitation Services
- Addiction Services
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Workplace Wellness Programs

The partnership between the CEHHA and the civic centre lends itself nicely to the project vision of reaching beyond the offerings of a traditional recreational facility and meet the needs of all residents to help maximize accessibility and use of such an important community investment. The civic centre will be more than a place to skate, swim, work out and play. It will be a place of interaction, of conversation, of community – a place that will serve the continued growth of our Region.
Critical to the success of this project is the partnership that exists between the PSC, project architects, Shore Tilbe Perkins + Will and the construction management group, PCL. These organizations have been working closely over the past twelve months to develop a building design which will embody the Region’s culture, history and ethnic diversity. As an update, PCL has confirmed the tender for site servicing will close on August 12th with work on the site commencing shortly thereafter. In the meantime, Shore Tilbe Perkins + Will are making adjustments to the functional design and adding finishing touches which should be available for your review in the near future.
If you have any questions, or comments that you would like to share, we can be reached through our website comment section or by email at ignitethespirit@colchester.ca.