Cape Breton families will enjoy new recreation facilities and healthier futures with a provincial investment in the Membertou Sports and Wellness Centre.

The project, a 1,250 seat arena plus an indoor walking track and a 3,000 square foot community fitness centre, will help promote the health and wellness of people living in the community.

There is also room to add a second ice surface.

“We are pleased to partner with Membertou on this project. It will provide great new facilities for many Cape Bretoners and help encourage healthier lifestyles,” said Cape Breton Nova MLA Gordie Gosse, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson.

“I am absolutely delighted that government thinks this is an important project for Membertou and the whole area,” said Chief Terrance Paul of Membertou. “This is a tremendous boost for the fundraising for the arena and entire project.”

Chief Paul said Membertou expects to begin construction in the spring.

The centre will be an energy-efficient building, using a geo-thermal heat pump for ice making, cooling and heating.

The province is contributing a $3 million grant over three years toward the $18 million project.

The funding supports Thrive!, the province’s plan for a healthier Nova Scotia. The plan has 34 main actions to create supportive environments for healthy eating and physical activity. Learn more at http://thrive.novascotia.ca.

The funding also supports the Mi’kmaw physical activity leadership program memorandum, announced in February, between the province and five Mi’kmaw communities, including Membertou.

Source: Release