Atlantic Canadian communities flourish when they have vibrant, welcoming public spaces and infrastructure that benefit visitors and residents alike. The Government of Canada is investing to help upgrade and modernize an important community venue in Cape Breton.
Creation of convention space
On October 17, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, announced a non-repayable contribution of $1,500,000 to Cape Breton University (CBU) to revitalize the Canada Games Complex. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This investment will help CBU purchase equipment to establish a multi-functional event and conference space, including electric vehicle chargers; audiovisual, digital and sound equipment; stage lighting; floor covering; mobile television screen units; and catering equipment for serving large events. Theupgrades will help the Canada Games Complex attract more national and international events, including academic conferences, bringing in more year-round visitors and boosting the regional economy.
This announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to help communities seize new and exciting economic opportunities.
Quotes
"Upgrading the Canada Games Complex will create new opportunities for economic growth in Sydney. Working together, we are building on Cape Breton's strengths and making the region a more attractive location for the kind of world-class events that will showcase the area."
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Helping CBU transition the Canada Games Complex into a modern, multi-purpose venue allows us to compete for more opportunities to host larger meetings, conferences, conventions and sporting events. Not only will it bring in more visitors, but it will allow students and faculty to attend academic conferences in their own backyard."
- Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso
"The provincial government's support for upgrades to the Canada Games Complex will enhance the experience for all who use the facility and provide opportunities for sport, recreation, and healthy living. Giving people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities a chance to be active is critical to building a healthier community. Additionally, our investment in the arena will increase access for female hockey in Cape Breton."
- John White, MLA Glace Bay-Dominion, on behalf of Allan MacMaster, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
"Cape Breton University's bold and ambitious plans for the future of the institution and Cape Breton Island are taking shape. The revitalization and expansion of the Canada Games Complex will support the tourism sector, increase economic impact and benefit the community for years to come. It will also provide our students with hands-on learning opportunities, maintaining our role as a leading educator of tourism sector employees."
- David Dingwall, President and Vice Chancellor, Cape Breton University
Quick facts
- The $36 million renovation to the Canada Games Complex is part of Cape Breton University's $205 million investment to modernize and green its campus.
- Once complete, this facility will be known as the Home of Female Hockey in Canada and a thriving multi-functional community space.
- ACOA's support is part of a larger project supported by the Province of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton University, with work on the refurbished facility scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
- The Province of Nova Scotia is investing $8.15 million for a dedicated hockey hub for women and girls.
- The funding announced is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
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