December 22, 2022 · Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canada's tourism industry is vital to the region and hosting national sporting events can generate significant economic benefits by attracting visitors outside the traditional tourism season. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex Corporation (CBHRCC), in partnership with Cape Breton University (CBU), to revitalize the community's multi-sport recreation facility.
Today, 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 $500,000, through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), to replace the dome structure, which has been unusable due to damage suffered during a winter storm in February, 2020. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This investment supports the installation of a modern dome structure enabling the community and university to continue to host high-caliber competitions that generate revenue for the region throughout the year. The new Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex (CBHRC) will feature energy efficient lighting and a cabling network to withstand high winds and larger roof snow loads from extreme weather events. The new dome will restore a key community asset for the sports organizations that rely on it for training and programming.
Work is expected to begin in Spring 2023. The building, which is located adjacent to CBU, is scheduled to host the upcoming 2023 U Sports Men's Soccer Nationals Championship and the 2024 Toyota U17 Boys and Girls National Club Championships.
Today's announcment further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to strengthen communities and local economies through world-class sports and tourism experiences.
