Channel-Port aux Basques – Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, and His Worship Brian Button, Mayor of Channel-Port aux Basques, announced a joint investment of more than $2.9 million to improve the energy efficiency of the Bruce II Sports Centre in Channel-Port aux Basques.
This investment will enable the replacement of the building’s roof and windows, the installation of a solar array and upgrades to the lighting and heating systems. These improvements are expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 19.7% and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 8.2 tonnes annually. These upgrades will reduce operating costs, make the facility more resilient to the impacts of climate change, and help residents of Channel-Port aux Basques stay active and connected to their community.
The Bruce II Sports Centre offers community support services, acts as the local emergency shelter and is the hub of recreation activity in the town of Channel-Port aux Basques. The centre provides residents with an ice rink, two curling sheets, a six-lane bowling alley, a swimming pool, a fitness centre and meeting facilities. By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
“Our government is committed to building greener, more resilient communities through our infrastructure investments. The residents of Channel-Port-aux-Basques rely on the Bruce II Sports Centre not just to stay active, but to stay safe during extreme weather events – something which they experienced first-hand during Hurricane Fiona. Today’s investment will ensure this critical facility can continue to serve the community for decades to come.” – Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“The Bruce II Sports Centre is the cornerstone of recreation for those in Channel-Port aux Basques, as well as serving as an emergency shelter when needed. These retrofits, supported by the Government of Canada, will ensure the centre remains a place where people can connect with their community, engage in physical activity and stay safe during an emergency. Additionally, by reducing the facility’s carbon footprint, this project is contributing to provincial and federal climate mitigation efforts.” – Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains