$22 million in funding announced for multi-purpose rec facility



$22 million in funding announced for multi-purpose rec facility

$22 million in funding announced for multi-purpose rec facility

Published on March 27th, 2009
Published on December 30th, 2009
Staff ~ The News RSS Feed
Topics :
Pictou County Wellness Centre , Pictou County

The dream to build a multi-purpose recreational facility to serve all Pictou County residents is closer to becoming a reality after today's announcement of a $22 million federal and provincial investment into the project.
The federal government will invest $12 million in the project, while the province will invest $10 million. In total, the Pictou County Wellness Centre will cost $34 million, with the municipalities contributing to the remaining portion.
"This energy efficient, state-of-the-art wellness centre will feature fitness, aquatic and gymnasium facilities along with a double-rink sports stadium. It will also become a community gathering spot with meeting rooms," said Pictou Centre MLA Pat Dunn.


For more, see Saturday's edition of The News.

Comments

  • Username
    baylee
    - January 18th, 2010 at 13:33:09

    progress is nice and fitness is important but it doesn't have to cost this much. How many homeless could they house with this money, how many elderly could they care for with new facilities, how many pictou county people will actually get jobs out of this...........it has to be put into perspective, i'm not a hockey fan don't like the cold but I think its great if they want to fix up one of the existing rinks and throw some money to the YMCA for improvements but to build a new center when you have so many other social issues in pictou county right now is a bit much..........I think they need to get their priorities straight

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  • Username
    Yay
    - January 18th, 2010 at 13:29:50

    This is fantastic news for Pictou County! This will really put us on the map, especially being a central location between all the amritime provinces.
    I am also quite happy of the news from Michelin that they are able to avoid Layoffs in the Valley plant(s) by partnering up with EI in a job sharing program. This is a company that has been doing it's best to try not to layoff employees during this rough time for the auto industry. It's nice to see a big guy caring about the little guys for once. I hope they are able to do the same thing here at the Granton Plant to avoid the lay offs slated for May.

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  • Username
    400 jobs WoW
    - January 18th, 2010 at 13:29:23

    400 jobs is this more Tory rumors.Trenton works employed 2000.Where was Pat Dunn then.I believe he was talking about a duba player.When we have an over ride on costs,who pays.When the faciity opens and they need to be subsidized who will pay for that.I am retired and I don't want to be chased out of my home because od taxes.If you can run this and make it pay I am for it.What facility in Pictou County is not subsidized.I don't want to pay for a dream by a few irresponsibile people who want a Major Junior team.Its appearent you don't carry a lunch can and pay taxes.

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  • Username
    A poor tax payer
    - January 18th, 2010 at 13:24:58

    Where is all the money coming from to keep these expensive ventures going?WE have a YMCA which we raise money for 6 rinks we raise money for,Decoste centre etc.It would be nice to have this faclity.When it is built who will pay the bills Do you think the only cost to the town is 14.000000.Who will pay for a new roof ice plants workers water lights.Think about it,once the building is up we are stuck with the bill.I would like to see transparence here,bugets and cost projections.I hope this is not a bunch of kids looking to bring in a Major Junior team.Perhaps Mr Dunn can tell us why he didn't put 14,000,000 in to Trenton works.That would have helped a lot of people.Explain to them where they will get the moey to see your Hockey games.I will end up paying for a Cadilac when I drive a Corolla.Pat when you get time away from your Hockey games try and help the workers at Trenton works and maybe the Aberdeen could use some more staff.

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  • Username
    Andrew
    - January 18th, 2010 at 13:20:04

    Great news!!! But I agree with crier. I do think though that an announcement like this wouldnt be made if it was unrealistic for the County/Towns to come up with the 12 mill........good luck

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  • Username
    Westside Boy
    - January 18th, 2010 at 13:19:52

    The Towns will never be able to come up with the kind of money needed to fund this project. Do you think Trenton and Westville have this money - NO !! Also our area is too small for 2 ice surfaces with all the other community rinks. Spend the money on fixin the roads. I nearly got lost in a pot hole today on Acadia Ave.

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  • Username
    pooley
    - January 18th, 2010 at 13:11:51

    only thing that matters is sports! sports sports sports sports

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  • Username
    country boy
    - January 18th, 2010 at 13:11:20

    I am so excited to get on here everyday and read these comments, it is such a ray of sunshine.
    As for losing others due to progress, it is unfortunate, but it is a fact. With any new facility whether it be this or a store, there is someone that loses out. However you have to look at the positive side. What else could a facility of this magnitude bring to the county. Increased business for the hotels and other businesses, and it may attract new businesses at the same time.

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  • Username
    Matt
    - January 18th, 2010 at 13:02:08

    grant, I doubt you will ever see a QMJHL team move to the NG area. Not when you've got a small town like Bathurst currently struggling to keep their team.

    What IS possible are NHL exhibition games and training camps, similar to what Summerside has attracted with it's new Wellness Center. Also more tournaments, concerts, conventions, maybe Halifax Rainmen exhibition games?

    I'd love to see a block of buildings in Downtown NG knocked down to make way for this and a parking garage (What a huge shot in the arm that would be) but I know that will never happen.

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  • Username
    wahoo
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:56:58

    They said that the complex will be built off Exit 23, if you were to go straight across the intersection towards the Stellarton Bus, Park it will be right there on the corner across the Central Nova Motors. Definitely a great day for Pictou County!

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  • Username
    Liberal from Torytown
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:53:35

    Ok Ok....I have to surrender and admit that Peter MacKay and Pat Dunn are putting our community's needs first. I have to congratulate them on their recent announcements in infrastructure development for our county. Wow!! I am leaning more and more towards the party in blue!! Thanks again guys!!!!!!!!

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  • Username
    n
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:49:55

    Great news.....now hopefully each towns pride will not stall it by trying to find the right location. Personally (and I have know affiliation with any town), the logical place would be where the Heather hotel used to be. Central, ample land, easy access, good water flow......seems like a no brainer; but we'll see.

    PS surprised there are no negative comments on here yet. Surely the Batcave or someother prson with nothing else to do would be on here saying wat a stupid idea this thing is......

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  • Username
    town
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:48:04

    I am sorry i forgot to mention the millions of dollars which will have to be spent in the not too distant future to upgrade the sewag abatement plant due to pending federal legislation.

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  • Username
    Scotia
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:44:37

    I agree, it's a great project! Kinda brings me around to what I have been thinking for a while now. Peter has been handing out money in just about every corner of Canada lately, and now he has Pat on his arm... it's not long to election time if you read the signs... kinda like seeing a Robin on your lawn... Spring has to be coming too!

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  • Username
    the Grim
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:43:31

    Well hey it smells like election money being burnt in the Coal Pits of MacGregor Avenue LOL. I would say not to worry too much about the Roads . The paving will start very soon as another wave of Election Works will be underway when the snow departs soon.

    Paving always comes just before an election

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  • Username
    laughin
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:43:10

    This comment has been removed by the moderator.

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  • Username
    jobless in Pictou
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:42:23

    Give it to Trenton Works which would last for 6 mths then everyone would have enuff for another pogey claim.Get it in your heads.TRENTON WORKS is HISTORY and in time will be dozed into the ground...It cannot be profitable.
    At least a new sports center will benefit thousands from the county.TRENTON WORKS doesn,t have a swimming pool either.
    OMG Trenton Works is done for ,finished,no more good,and so on and so forth.Get over it and get on with your lives.

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  • Username
    Matt
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:31:24

    CBC news reports that construction will begin in June, a site has not yet been announced, it's slated to open in 2011 and 400 jobs will be created.

    400 jobs people. I know you can come up with something negative to say about that that, you've never let me down before. Annnnnnnnd go!

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  • Username
    Stephanie
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:21:56

    I believe in theory this is a wonderful idea. However, I also feel there are many other things to consider. First of all there is the additional funding. I have not heard any town or municipality agreeing to assist in this as of yet. Also, what will become of existing facilities (and staff)? We have numerous rinks and fitness centres already in existance who provide a number of jobs to our communities. We also have 2 YMCA facilities and The Fisheries Training Pool in Pictou. Will this new facility employ all of the displaced workers in these difficult economic times, or will our community give up on our own in the name of progress? I don't know the answer to any of these questions, but I think they are worth looking into, don't you?

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  • Username
    Resident of Pictou County
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:21:02

    What Peter MacKay and Pat Dunn have been doing for our community is outstanding!!! In less than two years we have the Soccer Complex in Stellarton, then the indoor track annoucement last month and now this wonderful facility annoucement!! The people Pictou County should be proud of our leaders and the fine work they are doing and continue to do for us!!!!! So proud today in Picotu County!!

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  • Username
    never
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:18:07

    You're right town crier. We should just scrap the whole crazy idea.

    What were they thinking?

    Progress, schmogress.

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  • Username
    William
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:17:44

    Great Job something we do need.

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  • Username
    deer hunter
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:12:13

    its about time !!!! yahooooo

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  • Username
    town
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:07:28

    never Will have you been to a town council meeting in the last year and are you familiar with the bdgetary restraints. Unfortunately municipal units unlike the province or federal government can not run up deficits. Tax rates go up immediately and there are low and middle income earners who are living on the edge. I am a tax payer and take it upon myself to be informed. Do you see what is happening in the states to towns and cities where they are laying off teachers policemen, firefighters and civic workers, well we are just a whisker away from the same fate.
    It would be good for the county no doubt but do we have the twelve million or the monies to maintain it after it is built. Dont forget we have declining population and an aging citizenry and both put a very great strain on expenditures.
    This year new Glasgow alone had to fork out one million dollars for a short fall in the police pension plan and within the next little while they might get hit with another shot of that or more. stellarton had to shell out $500,000 westville One hundred forty three thousand and I can not remember how much trenton took a hit for. Also Trenton lost out on Nova Scotia Power revenue also. Heres hoping for a miracle or wealthy benafactor.

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  • Username
    Glenn
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:06:57

    I agree Grant,. this is great news for the County. My only concern is how are they are going get the 5 units in our community to fund this great project?????

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  • Username
    deer hunter
    - January 18th, 2010 at 12:00:59

    no better hockey grant than the Q-league ,, i think where finaly going in the right direction with pictou county united ,, heather hotel area is great spot ,,i think weeks donated land 3 or 4 years ago for such a arena ,sports plex ?
    WOW!!! its great news

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  • Username
    K-town
    - January 18th, 2010 at 11:59:59

    Ultimately, taxes will have to be increased. This will be the only way to pay our share. so, the people will have the final say on whether they want the facility by agreeing to large tax increases or not.

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  • Username
    Dream
    - January 18th, 2010 at 11:54:26

    Well I wonder honestly if the party that dominates the HRM will be poking at this as Tory pork as they did with a mere 25,000 dollars of funding for a Newspaper in the Strait Area? It is odd how that party doesn't seem to like much going on beyond the boarders of the HRM. It is the culture of lets pour it all into Halifax because all we have is a gigantic Civil Service.

    Exit 23 that will probably be the land that Crombie Reit has had a large billboard on for possible development. Is that parcel Stellarton or County Land . Hopefully a Set of Traffic lights go there that have been badly needed for a long time.

    The question of where the shortfall will come from is very simple . It will come from the taxpayers in the towns and county but unlike the HRM we have large companies that usually step up with donations. When New Glasgow Stadium was built Maritime Steel DONATED all the Structural Steel. I am sure Michelin, Sobeys and even Pioneer Coal and others will have some donations to bring to the table. The land for the Museum of Industry was a donation by a member of the Sobeys Family.

    Hey for once I say go ahead and built after all the NSCC here doesn't have a pool or Rink Unlike Dartmouth , We don't have a couple of Pools and Rinks at our leisure thanks to department of national defence bases like they do in the HRM.

    About time we got what our very productive workforce and private enterprise should have for perks as opposed to Civil servants who produce nothing in Downtown Halifax

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  • Username
    grant rankin
    - January 18th, 2010 at 11:53:05

    What great news ,finally pictou county will be getting a facility they deserve.Now if they could get a Quebec major junior team to call it home the county would be right up their with first class entertainment.

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  • Username
    Francis
    - January 18th, 2010 at 11:51:20

    Hey jobless in Pictou from NS, that's probably why you're jobless...you give up too easily. There's lots of good in that plant and ots of work can be done there too. I know, I know...you are going to make a snide remark about the lazy workers there next, well there may have been some but I bet they all learned a lesson by losing what they had. If you didn't work there why not shut up about what you don't know about. If you did work there and are still jobless in NS, try helping the situation instead of putting it down. Maybe you'll work again.

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  • Username
    town
    - January 18th, 2010 at 11:42:30

    Let me see 34 minus 10 = 24minus 12 leaves leaves 12 million dollars for the towns here to come up with. what is missing from the above picture, now i remember , mayors who will have to come up with the other 12 million. It just so happens those mayoors may have to come up with a couple of million for police pensions in the next little while. All I am saying dont lace up you skates yet folks or put on your water wings. i dont want to rain on anyones parade but untill you hear all the details dont get too excited.Mr. dunn would you please inform me of how we are going to raise another 12 million in Pictou County with the present economic situation. I hope Peter and pat can come up with a surprise announcement for the food bank also.

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