Release:
Halifax-based energy and services company Emera Inc. has offered $500,000 toward maintaining a skating oval on the Halifax Common, the Save the Oval Association announced Saturday.
The donation means that over $1 million has been pledged. Earlier, Molson Coors Canada said it would contribute $400,000 toward the Oval, while a $100,000 commitment has come from the 1990 World Figure Skating Championships Legacy Fund.
“This incredible offer by Emera reflects a major community leadership initiative," said Save the Oval Fundraising Director Dr. John Gillis. "Emera and Molson have made major commitments to making sure that something so widely appreciated in our community will continue to be enjoyed for years to come."
"We are especially proud that two large companies, Emera and Molson have put the project and the community first by working together to Save the Oval," added Save the Oval Association President Andrew Feenstra.
Feenstra was joined at the announcement at the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame by Rob Bennett, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power.
“Emera is proud to be Nova Scotian and proud to be a corporate citizen in Halifax,” said Mr. Bennett. “We have hundreds of employees in the greater Halifax area, and I know many of them have skated at the Oval. We’re pleased to be part of a growing community effort to keep the Oval open to the public for future use and enjoyment.”
“We hope our commitment will assist council members as they consider options for the future of the Oval.”
Brian Harriman, VP Atlantic of Molson Coors who also attended the announcement, concurred. "For 225 years Molson has made a priority of seeing community projects like this one move forward. In this case we're happy to work with both the Save the Oval Association and the other corporate sponsors to put the project first for the people of Halifax." Harriman confirmed that Molson Coors has committed a total of $400,000 towards the Oval project, with $225,000 up front and the balance over three years.
A survey last month by Corporate Research Associates found that 84% of HRM residents either completely or mostly support keeping the Oval. About one-third of those surveyed reported that they or a family member used the Oval while it was open to the public this winter.
"This is amazing news, but a decision has not been made. We look forward to working with Emera, Molson Coors, and the World Figure Skating Legacy Fund, other community partners, and HRM to finalize a plan for making the Oval permanent," concluded Gillis.
About Emera
Emera Inc. is a growing energy and services company with $6.3 billion in assets and revenues of $1.6 billion. The company invests in electricity generation, transmission and distribution as well as gas transmission and utility energy services. Emera's strategy is focused on the transformation of the electricity industry to cleaner generation and the delivery of the clean energy to market. Emera operates throughout northeastern North America, in three Caribbean countries and in California. Its largest wholly-owned subsidiary is Nova Scotia Power which provides more than 95% of generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power to 486,000 customers in the province. Nova Scotia Power has 1,900 employees and $3.5 billion in assets. Emera shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol EMA. Additional Information can be accessed at www.emera.com .
About Molson Canadian
Molson Canadian lager has been a staple in the Canadian beer landscape for over fifty years, providing generations of Canadians with clean, crisp refreshment. Made using Canadian water, prairie barley and no preservatives in six locations across the country this award-winning beer is recognized as a symbol of Canadian beer distinction around the globe. With roots dating back to 1786 and a time-honoured tradition of brewing quality beers, Molson Coors Canada is proud to be the nation's pre-eminent brewer
