Recreation

[Dmajackson]

I think its about time we have a thread about recreation in HRM. Wether it be about sportfields, tracks, arenas, ect post it here. For starters a news article from today:

Rink to be named after Gary Martin


Sun. Jun 8 - 5:14 AM

An ice rink to be built in Bedford will be named after Gary Martin, the regional councillor and former police officer who died in February at age 53.

The Rocky Lake Common Community board of directors voted unanimously to name the group’s new arena after Mr. Martin, who served on the organization’s board.

"The community has targeted the beginning of this fall’s hockey season . . . for the opening of the Gary Martin-Rocky Lake Common Community Arena," the group said in a recent release.

Mr. Martin’s wife, Darlene, said Saturday she feels her husband would have "been honoured" to have the arena named after him.

She said he would have appreciated the gesture but would have been even happier seeing a new local arena finally built in his district, an area that’s long been seeking improved recreational amenities.

"And it’s kind of neat that his two grandsons are going to grow up and learn to skate at a rink named for their grandfather," Mrs. Martin said of her grandchildren, who are both infants.

Board chairman Barry Mason said naming the rink after Mr. Martin was the right thing to do. His group is working on providing more recreational sites to people in Bedford, Sackville, Fall River and Waverley.

"The loss of Gary’s strength, humour and dedication has been hard on the board, the community and (Halifax regional) council," he said in the release. "It is only right that we honour Gary’s drive to help the community’s kids with a tribute like this."

Source: The Chronicle Herald

For anyone unfamiliar this is one of three arenas (triplex) going up in the Rocky Lake area of Bedford (near CPA and Bedford Commons). Martin deserved this dedication he was always helpful when i emailed him.

[Dmajackson]

The funding has finallly been announced for the Mainland Common rec centre along with some money for Centennial Pool:

Centennial Pool Receives Boost From Province
Health Promotion and Protection
August 6, 2008 3:27 PM

Centennial Pool is getting an upgrade with a $1-million investment from the province.

A consultant hired by the Halifax Regional Municipality estimated that $3 million is needed to prolong the life of the Centennial Pool. The province's contribution, with additional funding from HRM, will provide residents with a high performance swimming facility for the next 15 to 20 years.

Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, made the announcement today, Aug. 6, in Halifax at the announcement from three levels of government for the new $40.5-million Mainland Common Centre project.

"A revitalized Centennial Pool, together with the Mainland Common Centre, are excellent additions to the sport and recreation facilities currently in our province," said Mr. Barnet. "Both initiatives will provide Nova Scotians with exceptional venues to help them be more active."

Renovations will include upgrades to the ventilation system, changing rooms and other upgrades to the pool facility.

Governments Support Halifax Mainland Common Centre For Canada Games
Premier's Office
August 6, 2008 9:42 AM

The province and federal government today, Aug. 6, announced an investment of up to $12 million each for the Mainland Common Centre, a primary venue for the 2011 Canada Winter Games to be held in Halifax Regional Municipality.

Premier Rodney MacDonald, Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and HRM Mayor Peter Kelly announced the support for the state-of-the-art centre, which will include competitive and warm-up pools and a field house with hard-court gymnasium space and a 200-metre indoor track.

"Today's announcement is good news not only for the community, but for the entire province and region," said Premier MacDonald. "Investing in the new centre is part of the province's commitment to encourage more Nova Scotians to live healthy and active lives. This resource will be a great legacy of the 2011 Canada Winter Games."

The federal funding comes from Building Canada, the government of Canada's long-term infrastructure plan.

"This announcement shows once again our government's support of community infrastructure, such as the Mainland Common Centre, which is an essential part of healthy Canadian cities and towns," said Mr. MacKay. "This project will provide an important facility to benefit athletes across the province and Canada, while generating important economic benefits for the Halifax region."

The centre will be equipped to host a variety of future provincial, national and international competitions. A local community area will also allow for other sports activities and provide classroom space and meeting rooms.

After the 2011 Canada Winter Games, it will help develop and train high-performance, competitive athletes The Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic will be established within at the Mainland Common Centre to attract athletes and provide them with a range of specialized services.

"The centre will be the heart of the Mainland Common, serving as a sports destination for HRM and the entire province as well as providing a venue for building a strong, closely linked community," said Mayor Kelly. "With our federal and provincial funding partners, we are very excited to begin construction of the Mainland Common Centre and look forward to enjoying the many benefits it will bring to our region."

With its innovative, environmentally friendly technologies and practices, facility managers will apply for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver designation. Innovations will include a geothermal well system for earth source heat/cooling, energy saving lighting technologies, and the use of recycled and local materials.

The federal government will provide up to $12 million through its Building Canada agreement with Nova Scotia. The province will invest $12 million towards the centre.

Federal financial support is subject to the signing of a funding agreement and will reimburse construction. HRM must also demonstrate its share of the remaining funding is secured.

Through its $33-billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the government of Canada provides long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada supports a stronger, safer and better country. The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia signed the Canada-Nova Scotia Framework Agreement on Nov. 9, 2007 worth $634.38 million under the Building Canada plan.

For further information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca .

For further information on the Mainland Common Centre, visit www.halifax.ca

Source: NS Government Website