$22M in funding announced for sports complex

New Glasgow - Friday was a dream come true for Pat Dunn as a new multi-sports complex was announced for Pictou County.
"I've been dreaming about this day for the past few years," said the Pictou Centre MLA. "Today I feel like I'm walking on air."
The federal government will kick in $12 million for the project, while the province will invest $10 million in the Pictou County Wellness Centre, while the six local municipalities and community groups will contribute the remainder of the funds for the $34 million project.
The wellness centre will be a regional facility with health and wellness as its major focus. Key features of the centre will include two ice surfaces, a fitness centre, aquatics centre, gymnasium, fitness studios, community rooms and a daycare facility.
It's anticipated that there will be stadium seating for 2,100 people in the facility, which will make it possible to host large concerts.
"This is a very versatile facility that is not only a boost in the athletic community, it will also encompass the art community," said Central Nova MP Peter MacKay. "It will be a community gathering point."
Sobeys has donated land for the project, which will be located in the county on approximately 11 acres across from eastbound Exit 23 of Highway 104.
The Pictou County YMCA will oversee the construction and management of the facility. Murray Hill, chair of the Pictou Regional Development Commission, says it's expected the existing YMCA in New Glasgow will close once the new facility is complete, likely in two year's time.
"That's the intention, that it will not remain," Hill said following a news conference in New Glasgow Friday. "Particularly the aquatics facility doesn't meet standards."
Conceptual designs of the project will begin shortly and it's expected that ground will break on the project this spring, added MacKay.
"This investment has meant the project was bumped up in terms of construction - it will get underway as soon as the frost comes out of the ground - assuming that happens before June," he joked.
MacKay believes the facility's construction will have "enormous spin-offs and ripple effects" for the community.
"This project will have a significant economic impact on Pictou County putting people to work and supporting an active and healthy lifestyle," he said.