Eskasoni to Benefit from Community Infrastructure Program

Government of Canada supports upgrades to the Dan K. Stevens Memorial Arena

Eskasoni, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

The Eskasoni First Nation community will benefit from improved facilities thanks in part to funding announced today by the Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria.

While visiting Allison Bernard Memorial High School this morning, MP Eyking shared the news with students and staff that the Government of Canada will invest $100,500 through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150) to support upgrades to the Dan K. Stevens Memorial Arena.

Since it opened in 1995, the Dan K. Stevens Memorial Arena has played an important role for the community, especially to youth as they depend on the rink to represent the Eskasoni First Nation community in the Minor Hockey Association of Nova Scotia. The Arena is also an important entertainment venue for community events. Renovations to the arena will include a new dehumidifier, enhancements to the ice surface and repairs to the rafters above the rink.

The national Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is providing up to $150 million over two years to support projects that rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing public infrastructure for communities. It is part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships and modernize existing community facilities.

Quotes:

“The Government is pleased to partner with the Eskasoni First Nation as they work to improve this vital piece of community infrastructure. The Dan K. Stevens Memorial Arena provides our youth with a safe place to have fun, be active and meet new people. Investments like this help secure a better quality of life for our communities, building a stronger, more unified, and more prosperous Canada.

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“With the high volume of activities that take place at the Arena, it’s easy to see how much it means to the residents and surrounding communities. I’m happy that we could play a part in securing its future.”

– The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria

“I have always been a firm believer that an active community is a healthy community. Today’s funding announcement for our arena plays a vital role in keeping our community healthy, but more importantly keeping our youth engaged and active.”

– Chief Leroy Denny, Eskasoni Band Council

“The Dan K. Stevens Memorial Arena has been a vital part of our community for 20 years. The Arena has witnessed so many great events and tournaments and today’s financial support will ensure many more activities will take place for years to come.”

– Derek Johnson, Arena Manager

Associated Links:

• Eskasoni Website

Contacts:

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca

George Paul
Communications
Eskasoni Band Council
Phone: 902-565-0024
E-mail: prgeorge@eskasoni.ca

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