SYDNEY (NS) – March 7, 2009 – A landmark recreation and entertainment facility in Sydney will undergo extensive renovations thanks to investments from the Government of Canada, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) and the private sector.
Funding of $2.5 million was announced today by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, CBRM Mayor, John Morgan and Stuart MacLeod of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.
“Our government’s investment in this project will help position Centre 200 as a potential host for regional, national and international sports, recreation, industry and trade events,” said Minister MacKay. “This will result in significant economic benefits to the community and local businesses.”
“Since it first opened, Centre 200 has served the community well,” said Mayor John Morgan. “With this renovation and upgrade, the facility will continue to be a community focal point while providing the CBRM with a modern, full service venue that can attract major regional, national and international events and additional visitors to the area.”
“Our shareholders have made a significant contribution to this project that will allow Centre 200 to receive upgrades that are long overdue,” said Stuart MacLeod, Chairperson of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. “I am proud to represent this group of professionals and business people - Cape Bretoners all - who are committed to giving back to their community.”
Proposed improvements to Centre 200 include increasing the seating capacity to at least 5,000 through the addition of 13 new skyboxes, club seating and the installation of a new video scoreboard system. Renovations will also be carried out to the concession area and washrooms.
Opened in 1987, Centre 200 was constructed as a municipal bicentennial project and named in honour of the 200th anniversary of the founding of Sydney in 1785. Centre 200 is the CBRM 's primary sports and entertainment facility and home to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. It is a multi-use facility hosting many community events, major concerts and exhibitions. The facility currently features arena seating for more than 4,800 people, expandable seating to 6,500 for concert hall purposes, and 17,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space.
The Government of Canada, through Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is investing $1.5 million. The CBRM is providing $500,000 and the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles will also invest $500,000 in the project.
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and the Mulgrave area.
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INFORMATION:
D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
902-564-3617