From left, Donna Matheson-LeFort (Councillor District 1) Warden Jackie Organ (District 7), Cape Breton—Canso—Antigonish MP Jamie Battiste, Rosella Born (Councillor District 4) Victoria-The Lakes MLA Dianne Timmins, Jess Kerr (Councillor District 3), Victoria Highland Civic Centre steering committee members John Trickett, Sandy Campbell and Terry Kelly, and Wanda Hennick (Councillor District 8). All were on hand for a federal funding announcement at the Victoria Highland Civic Centre in Baddeck on Saturday. Photo by CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentA Cape Breton member of parliament made a personal stop in Baddeck on Saturday to deliver what he hopes will be good news for a shuttered community rink.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAt a community event held at the Victoria Highland Civic Centre on Saturday, Cape Breton—Canso—Antigonish MP Jaime Battiste announced that up to $12 million in federal funding has been proposed to rebuild the 51-year-old facility into a multi-sport complex.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“This infrastructural commitment is a watershed moment for our riding, and for Cape Breton,” Battiste said in a statement. “As the only named project in Nova Scotia in Budget 2025 for this funding stream, this represents a landmark delivery for our region — and a strong recognition of the importance of this project.”Article contentWithin the 405-page document unveiled in Ottawa on Tuesday, under the category of “generational infrastructure investments,” the proposed budget mentions that “as examples of projects that will help build strong communities with improved local infrastructure, Budget 2025 announces support” for a list of 23 projects across the country.Article contentSingled out on that list is a “Baddeck Recreation Facility in Baddeck, Nova Scotia” — referring to the Victoria Highland Civic Centre.Article content Prior to Saturday’s announcement at the Victoria Highland Civic Centre, a steering committee member estimated a new build to replace the current facility at 26 Jessica Wong Lane in Baddeck would likely cost about $24 million to construct, adding that “we are looking at just under $13 million” in federal funding support.” Photo by IAN NATHANSON/CAPE BRETON POST FILEArticle content‘WORLD-CLASS SPORTING FACILITY’Article contentThe funding will be contingent on whether the fall 2025 federal budget, tabled in Ottawa on Tuesday, can be passed. The Mark Carney-led minority Liberal government has so far survived two of three confidence votes on the budget. With a recess this week to honour Remembrance Day, a final vote has been slated for next Monday.Article contentArticle content“People from across Cape Breton, and throughout Nova Scotia, will have access to a world-class sporting facility in Baddeck, and I couldn’t be prouder,” Battiste added. “I would like to thank the community of Baddeck and the Victoria Highland Civic Centre steering committee for the exemplary work they’ve done to advocate for this funding. Without you, this wouldn’t have been possible.”Article contentAlso on hand for Saturday’s announcement were Victoria County Warden Jackie Organ and councillors Donna Matheson-LeFort (District 1), Jess Kerr (District 3), Rosella Born (District 4) and Wanda Hennick District 8, Victoria-The MLA Dianne Timmins, and VHCC steering committee members John Trickett (chair), Sandy Campbell and Terry Kelly.Article content‘SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF’Article contentIn a social media post, Matheson-LeFort said she can’t wait to see what will come of the new facility should the budget pass and funding make its way eastward.
Cape Breton MP announces $12M in federal funding to rebuild Baddeck rink should budget pass
