The NDP confirmed yesterday they will help pay for a four-pad arena on Hammonds Plains Road even though the federal government has backed off.
The Halifax Regional Municipality had hoped the federal and provincial governments would each kick in one third of the $42-million cost of the arena. But the federal Conservatives rejected the project, saying it does not qualify for stimulus money. Mayor Peter Kelly had vocally been looking for confirmation the NDP would still pay their share of about $14 million.
Health Promotion and Protection Minister Maureen MacDonald said yesterday to Metro Halifax the province will still help pay for the arena, though the exact details are being worked out.
“There will be provincial money in the four-pad when it’s done, and we are committed to seeing that it gets done,” she said.
When informed of MacDonald’s comments, Kelly was pleased.
“We’re very much grateful for their contribution. It’ll help us offset some of those capital costs.”
The announcement is a relief for HRM after federal Tories reiterated the government would not help pay for the project. The arena is scheduled for completion in 2010.
