Funding for rink upgrades, improved access for girls in hockey

Fourteen community rinks across the province are receiving critical upgrades that will extend their lifespan and create more access to sport and recreation, especially for women and girls.

The province is investing $18.3 million for the improvements. The Colchester Legion Stadium in Truro is receiving $1 million for repairs to reopen after it was damaged by hurricane Fiona last fall.

“Increasing access and equity in sport is a big focus of ours. Giving people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities a chance to be active is critical to building a healthier province,” said Pat Dunn, minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, in a news release.

Funding recipients, in addition to Truro, are:

• Canada Games Complex, Sydney: $8.15 million for rehabilitation to increase access for girls and women in hockey

• Cape Breton County Arena, Sydney: $4.3 million for critical infrastructure upgrades

• Glooscap Rink, Canning: $2 million for structural rehabilitation

• Sackville Arena, Lower Sackville: $630,000 for bleacher retrofitting

• Chester Arena and Rink, Chester: $500,000 for repairs

• Trenton Rink, Trenton: $300,000 for new seating and upgrades

• St. Francis Xavier University Rink, Antigonish: $300,000 for ice plant

• Shelburne County Arena, Shelburne: $260,000 for roof repairs

• Queens Place Arena, Liverpool: $205,000 for a Zamboni

• Pictou County Wellness Centre, Westville: $200,000 for ice surface and dressing room upgrades

• Antigonish Arena, Antigonish: $160,000 for heating and accessibility upgrades

• Eskasoni Arena, Eskasoni: $150,000 for accessibility improvements

• Bluenose Curling, New Glasgow: $118,000 for upgrades and sprinkler system