Lower Sackville, N.S. (Rajeev Sharma) : The Sackville Community Arena in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, is set to become the province’s first solar-powered arena after securing $1.3 million in federal funding under Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
The arena, a busy hub for hockey matches and figure skating sessions, serves a community of over 50,000 residents and is known for its heavy operating costs. The funding will allow the facility to shift from conventional electricity to solar energy later this year, significantly reducing monthly expenses.
Allan Smith, president of the Lake District Recreation Association, which manages the arena, said around 1,150 solar panels will be installed on the roof as part of the project. He explained that the transition could cut electricity bills by more than $14,000 per month, offering long-term financial stability to the facility.
Smith said the expected savings would help support the arena’s operations well into the future and reduce the financial strain typically faced by community rinks with short operating seasons.
Liberal MP Braedon Clark, who represents the Sackville–Bedford–Preston riding, described the arena as a vital part of the community, calling such facilities the “heart and soul” of local neighbourhoods.
Minor hockey coach Chris Fraser echoed similar sentiments, saying the move would strengthen the arena’s future as a central sporting venue. He noted that the financial relief would help ensure the rink continues to serve the community for decades to come.
Arena officials said the money saved through reduced power costs will be reinvested into infrastructure upgrades, including plans for a new concrete pad beneath the ice surface and improved rink boards — a project estimated to cost around $600,000.
Smith also expressed hope that the long-term savings would allow operators to lower user fees, making sports more affordable for local families. With the shift to renewable energy, the Sackville Community Arena aims to combine environmental responsibility with financial sustainability while continuing to serve as a cornerstone of community life.
