Tough economic times are not putting the brakes on a 10.5 million dollar plan to replace the Coliseum in Hanover.
Instead, Councillor and Chair of the Project Management Committee Bob White says building a regional recreation centre will be a great stimulant for the local economy.
To that end, council has submitted an application for funding to the Building Canada Fund.
White says they’re asking for 7 million dollars, 3.5 from the federal government and 3.5 from the provincial government.
White explains the government is looking to kickstart the economy through infrastructure projects – and the Fund does have provisions for recreation projects.
He says healthy communities are good communities, and infrastructure that provides sporting opportunities go a long way toward keeping the public healthy.
White says the facility will be more than just a regional rec centre – it will be a place for local communities to gather.
The Coliseum is a 48 year old wood structure and White says it’s more economical to build anew rather than renovate.
The new centre will have a regulation ice surface, state of the art change rooms, an indoor a walking track, and a large meeting room.
White says they’re expecting a reply to their Building Canada Fund application in March.
