Digby Arena gets $1.5M from province for structural, mechanical upgrades

The Digby Arena will soon receive the upgrades needed to reopen after it closed earlier this season. The provincial government is providing $1.5 million toward structural and mechanical repairs.

Arena closed last month due to problems with ice plant

Laura Flight · CBC News · Posted: Apr 11, 2025 2:34 PM EDT | Last Updated: April 11

Five people hold up a large cheque in an arena. — Digby-Annapolis MLA Jill Balser, centre, presents the Digby Area Recreation Committee with a cheque for $1.5 million. (Digby Area Recreation Committee/Facebook)

The Digby Arena will soon receive the updates needed to reopen after it closed earlier this season.

The provincial government is providing $1.5 million toward structural and mechanical upgrades.

"This arena is more than a recreation centre," said Service Nova Scotia Minister Jill Balser, who is also the local MLA. "It's an important hub for community life in Digby."

The facility closed last month after the ice plant condenser broke down. Minor hockey, figure skating and curling had to be moved as a result.

"The facility is more than just an arena, it's the heart of our community," said Sharon MacAlpine, the recreation director for the Digby Area Recreation Commission.

The goal is to have the arena back in operation by the fall. The condenser will be replaced and structural issues identified in a recent engineering report will be addressed.

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