Now, the VHCC Redevelopment Project will bring a new multi-purpose centre to life, honoring the past and building a stronger future. An engineering condition assessment completed in the summer of 2021 disclosed end-of-life status for the current Victoria Highland Civic Centre (VHCC) [aka Baddeck Rink]. The current facility has served residents of Victoria County, Wagmatcook First Nation, We'koqma'
q First Nation, and Inverness County for 49 years. Community Engagement Sessions facilitated by an independent consultancy firm (December 2021) reveled Strong Community Support for replacing the current facility. In the fall of 2021, the VHCC Board of Directors appointed an Advisory Board/Steering Committee to determine the most REASONABLE, AFFORDABLE and SUSTAINABLE approach to replacing the current VHCC facility. The VHCC Redevelopment project is not just a rink, it’s a public sports and community recreation centre that is being designed for a diverse population and will include year-round recreation amenities. The Steering Committee has had countless meetings and site visits with Provincial Cabinet Minsters and Federal M.P., meetings with Provincial officials on funding streams, have visited and met with community facility managers across the province, have consulted with construction companies and have had meetings and consultations with various community groups. Through these engagement efforts we know there is overwhelming support for this project at all levels. In the summer of 2022 Victoria County Municipal Councilors unanimously voted to support the VHCC Redevelopment Project. The County pledged 1-million-dollars towards capital costs (~ 4% of construction costs), conditional on additional financial support from Provincial and Federal Governments. The Victoria County Municipal Government does not own, operate or manage the VHCC. The new VHCC facility will continue to be managed and operated by a Community Board of Directors. Each component of the VHCC Redevelopment Project contributes to a SUSTAINABLE Non-Profit operating budget. Conceptual designs include:
- Official sized ice surface
- In-door walking track
- Community meeting room
- Community fitness centre
- Accessible spectator seating
- Inclusive dressing room facilities
- Multi-use recreational spaces
- Acoustics and audio equipment for cultural programming
- Commercial kitchen
- Commercial office space
- Energy efficient systems that reduce energy waste
- Unassigned space for additional community partners
