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Development of a New Civic Centre

On July 11, 2008 the County of Colchester and the Town of Truro kick-started the development of a new Civic Centre by signing a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU). The MOU also confirms a commitment to the Colchester Legion Stadium.  The County and the Town have made a combined 1/3 funding commitment to the project and will share in the cost of operations.

What Will the Facility Contain?

The Civic Centre is intended to be a community gathering place, provide a venue that promotes active/healthy lifestyles and appeal to the community's broad demographic of age, gender, interests, and abilities.  The program space being considered for the Civic Centre includes the following:

  • An NHL sized ice surface with seating capacity for 2,500 to 3,500.
  • A three lane walking/running track.
  • An aquatic centre with a six lane competitive swimming pool and a leisure pool.
  • A fitness centre.
  • Multi purpose and meeting space.
  • Display space (in the foyer).
  • Colchester East Hants Health Authority program space.
  • Other program space such as a rock climbing wall, etc.

Final decisions on the program space will be made by the County and the Town during the final design phase.

Legion Stadium to be Upgraded

  • Proposed improvements to the Legion Stadium include:
  • A new concrete floor system.
  • A new dasher board system.
  • Refrigeration plant improvements.
  • New barrier free washrooms.
  • Modernized interior including accessibility improvements.
  • Lighting and electrical upgrades.
  • A new elevator.

Province is Supportive Partner

The Province of Nova Scotia, through Health Promotion and Protection, has been very supportive of the initiative and assisted the County and Town in reaching an agreement on the MOU.  An application for financial support will be made to the Province to assist with development costs.

Where Will the Civic Centre be Built?

The preferred site for the new Civic Centre is in Truro Heights at Exit 13.  This site is adjacent to the new hospital site.  The Province of Nova Scotia owns this land and the County and the Town are in discussions with the Province to acquire this land for the project.  Factors considered in the site evaluation process included:  property size, proximity to complementary uses, visibility and proximity to regional population, availability of services including central water and sewer, transportation accessibility by major arterial routes, site development costs, etc.

Next Steps

A Project Steering Committee, and various sub-committees including Design and Construction, Fund Raising, Public Relations and User Group and Space Programming, were established in the summer and early fall of 2008.  The next main element to be undertaken will be the facility design which will occur during the upcoming fall and winter.  Community fundraising will also commence this fall.

 

For more information, please visit the recently developed "Ignite the Spirit" website at

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