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Community rink undergoing retrofit to become the Stellarton Memorial Community Centre

July 18, 2024 – The Stellarton Memorial Rink in Nova Scotia is getting a new lease on life—and a new name—with the help of $6 million in funding from Ottawa’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, and $2 million from the Government of Nova Scotia.

“The Stellarton Memorial Rink has seen a lot of history over the years. It was built in 1947 to honour fallen war vets from the community. It hosted local hockey teams, boxing matches, homecoming dances, and community events,” Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, posted to Facebook.

“Over the past few years, the rink has been shut down. But a dedicated group of volunteers have come together to breathe new life into the building, and to give back to their community,” Fraser added.

Following an arena retrofit, that “new life” will come in the form of a multi-purpose recreation facility named Stellarton Memorial Community Centre.

“We are thrilled and honoured with the investments placed by both federal and provincial governments in the Stellarton Memorial Community Centre project,” said Darren Stroud, president, Stellarton Memorial Community Centre Association. “This financial support will help to ensure this facility continues to honour our veterans while serving our community in a most inclusive and efficient manner for generations to come.”

The project will revitalize and repurpose the former rink, enabling it to host a multitude of community events, and will include an indoor walking track as well as new volleyball, basketball and pickleball courts.

The facility will also feature a removable stage for performances, modernized locker rooms, and retractable bleachers.

Upgrades to the building include improved insulation and mechanical systems to allow for four-season operation for indoor sports and recreation. The building will also be made fully accessible with upgraded entrances and washrooms.

The enhancements are expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 101%, and GHG emissions by 298 tonnes annually.