LANTZ, NS, Nov. 3, 2026 /CNW/ -- Building a strong Canada starts with investing in the modern and reliable infrastructure that makes it possible to increase housing supply and create resilient communities.
The Build Communities Strong Fund is investing $51 billion in a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation.
To that end, Parliamentary Secretary Kody Blois announced a federal investment of $1 million towards the modernization of the East Hants Sportsplex through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund. The provincial government previously announced funding to support this project.
Funding will support a series of infrastructure improvements for the sportsplex, including roof replacement and upgrades to the ventilation, security, and lighting systems. A new score clock and LED screen will also be installed, along with improvements to the timekeeper area and penalty boxes in the Keith Miller Arena. These improvements will increase the facility's safety and sustainability while ensuring the continued delivery of sports, recreation, and community programs for those living in East Hants and surrounding communities.
The East Hants Sportsplex is a crucial community resource where residents go to do activities that support a healthy lifestyle such as skating, hockey, soccer, baseball, curling, cricket, yoga, and more. The sportsplex also supports community initiatives such as the East Hants Farmers Market Co-operative, which enhances food security in the area.
The Build Communities Strong Fund is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada's plan to build the infrastructure needed to build Canada strong – today and for generations to come.
Quotes
"The Build Communities Strong Fund is building the infrastructure that Canadians rely on every day. Today's investment in the East Hants Sportsplex will ensure that residents here and in the surrounding areas will continue to have access to recreation opportunities and community events in a safe and modern facility."
The Honourable Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants
"Whether it's a hockey game, a yoga class or a trip to the farmers market, the East Hants Sportsplex brings people together. These upgrades will make the building safer and more modern so it can serve the community for years to come. We're proud to support facilities that keep Nova Scotians active and connected."
The Honourable Dave Ritcey, Nova Scotia's Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
"We are very pleased to receive up to $1 million through the Government of Canada's Build Communities Strong Fund to support capital upgrades at the East Hants Sportsplex. This funding is an important investment in our community and will allow us to make improvements that will benefit residents for years to come. We appreciate the support that will help move this project forward and strengthen this important community facility."
Eleanor Roulston, Warden of East Hants
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $1 million in this project through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund. The Municipality of East Hants is contributing $2,096,000, and the Government of Nova Scotia previously announced $178,000 to support upgrades to the facility's roof and ice plant.
- Starting in 2026-27, the Build Communities Strong Fund will deliver funding through three major streams:
- A Provincial and Territorial stream, which provides $17.2 billion over 10 years, including $5 billion in health infrastructure funding over three years;
- A Direct Delivery stream, which provides $6 billion over 10 years, including $1 billion over 4 years as part of a Local Impact Stream that is being delivered by Canada's Regional Development Agencies to support community infrastructure projects with local impact; and,
- A Community stream (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund), which provides $27.8 billion over 10 years and, indexed at 2% to deliver $3 billion per year ongoing.
- The Buy Canadian Policy is an important part of the Build Communities Strong Fund. It will help ensure that more of every public dollar goes right into the Canadian economy – creating Canadian careers, using Canadian resources, and benefiting Canadian communities.
- The Build Communities Strong Fund will help create thousands of good jobs, including careers in the skilled trades, by encouraging the use of Red Seal endorsed tradespeople, apprentices, and unionized labour.
- The Build Communities Strong Fund will be a force multiplier in infrastructure – with funding that will be matched by nearly $17 billion from provinces, and additional billions leveraged through municipal and territorial partnerships as well as private capital. The fund will also boost Canada's GDP by $95 billion over the next decade.
- Under the Direct Delivery stream, at least 10% of the funding will go towards investments in Indigenous communities.
- Project funding is subject to the signing of a contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and the recipient.
Associated Links
- Build Communities Strong Fund
- Prime Minister Carney launches the Build Communities Strong Fund and announces the first tranche of projects
- Prime Minister Carney shares Budget 2025 plan to build communities strong
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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Jenna Ghassabeh, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Meredith Hand, Communications Advisor, Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, 902-233-9832, [email protected]; Juliann Cashen, Communications Officer, Municipality of East Hants, 902-883-6219, [email protected]
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