Westville Miners Sports Centre receives $2.1 million from province in funding

Premier Tim Houston announced March 9 that the province will be investing $ 2.1 million into the Westville Miners Sports Centre.

The centre has been a community hub for hockey lovers since it’s opening in 1976. The rink has been owned and operated by a volunteer board since its construction. It receives a grant from the town of Westville on an annual basis.

"Community rinks are essential to the well-being of our communities. I am thrilled that local athletes and community members will have a sustainable rink they can call home ice for generations.” Pictou Centre MLA Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, said.

Houston thanked the Westville Rink Commission for their hard work and dedication to the rink over the years.

“We have to be here to support places like this and the people that makes these rinks happen.”

Community members young and old were there to witness the announcement including Emma MacLeod, captain of the girls Nighthawk hockey team and many other members of the boys Nighthawk hockey team.

“The rink is an important part of the community and is also the home rink for the Northumberland Regional High School Nighthawks hockey teams. We look forward to many more years of ice time” MacLeod said.

The money from the province, along with the funds raised by the community will be used to replace the existing ice plant, cement flooring, refrigeration system, and humidification system with more modern and efficient alternatives, this will extend the life of the center.

“Our facility will become more environmentally friendly and will provide another generation with recreational fun, sports and physical activity for all ages,” Dave Sinnis of the Westville Rink Commission said.