Release:
Renovations at BMO Soccer Centre enhance training space for Halifax Tides FC
April 18, 2026 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Strong sport infrastructure builds active, inclusive communities, supports high-performance athletes, and creates new economic opportunities.
Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Halifax West, announced federal support to Soccer Nova Scotia to upgrade the BMO Soccer Centre, creating a professional, year-round training environment for the Halifax Tides FC ($277,100 non-repayable). Minister Diab was joined by Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax.
This investment helped modernize athlete, staff, and operational spaces to close critical infrastructure gaps at the not-for-profit’s premier indoor soccer facility. Upgrades to locker rooms, treatment areas, staff offices, and training equipment will enhance athlete health and recovery, improve operations, and meet professional standards. This enables the team to train locally at a high-performance level and advances the growth of the league.
As professional soccer continues to expand across Canada, fan engagement is growing alongside it — from local attendance to global tournaments like World Cup soccer betting markets, which have seen record interest in women’s matches during recent international competitions.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to investing in modern community infrastructure that creates new opportunities and supports economic growth.
This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Quotes
“Good places to play and train really matter. They bring people together, support our athletes, and open up real opportunities in our communities — from hosting events and bringing visitors in, to giving young players a clear path to stay and compete at home. Upgrades to the BMO Soccer Centre are giving the Halifax Tides what they need to succeed, while helping grow women’s sport in Atlantic Canada.” — Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“This investment strengthens the facilities and resources needed for top-tier athletes like the Halifax Tides Women’s FC to train and compete at the highest level. At the same time, it creates an updated space for everyone who uses it — from local families and community members to athletes from across Nova Scotia. By opening more doors for young people to see themselves in sport, these upgrades will help build a stronger, more vibrant community for years to come.” — Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Halifax West
“We’re ensuring Halifax is not just part of the excitement around women’s professional soccer, but part of building it. With these upgrades, we’re supporting today’s players, showing young people what’s possible, and creating new opportunities for our city to grow through sport.” — Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax
“The upgrades to the BMO Soccer Centre will support Halifax Tides FC at the professional level, while continuing to serve thousands of players, coaches, and families year-round. It’s a great example of bringing community and high performance together, with more young people — especially girls — seeing what’s possible in our game.” — Lindsay MacAskill, Executive Director, Soccer Nova Scotia
“ACOA’s support makes this next step possible for our athletes. A high-performance training facility provides access to the right recovery tools, spaces, and equipment, giving our club here in Nova Scotia what’s needed to compete at the highest level. It’s a meaningful step forward and builds a stronger foundation for the future.” — Valerie Malone, President, Halifax Tides FC
“The upgrades to the BMO Soccer Centre facilities have already improved the quality of our training, recovery and team morale. Having a place to call our own and grow as a group is essential in building a successful club where players want to be. It is special for us, as it gives visibility to our team and shows kids they can dream big and be in our shoes one day.” — Saorla Miller, Player, Halifax Tides FC
Quick facts
- Soccer Nova Scotia was established in 1977 and is the governing body for soccer in the province, supporting more than 31,000 participants across Nova Scotia.
- The not-for-profit organization owns and operates the BMO Soccer Centre in Halifax, the province’s premier indoor soccer facility and a key hub for community and high-performance soccer.
- Halifax Tides FC is the sole Atlantic Canadian team in the Northern Super League (NSL), Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league launched in April 2025.
- Today’s announcement follows the federal government’s commitment of up to $5.45 million on November 15, 2025 to upgrade Northern Super League-related facilities nationwide.
- Women’s professional sport is a rapidly growing global industry; Deloitte reported this month that global revenues are projected to reach $3 billion in 2026.
- The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA)’s Business Development Program.
