The Civic Centre in Port Hawkesbury is about to get more comfortable, when used in times of need, thanks to a federal investment.

Today, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, announced $75,000 toward the Comfort Centre, from the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund to improve amenities.  A new portable generator will be installed as well as new baseboard heater, water tank and central communication equipment, so others can be contacted during an emergency.

These upgrades will allow the facility to function without power when it’s used as a Comfort Centre; where people can feel safe, supported and connected.

“The Town of Port Hawkesbury is incredibly grateful to be able to offer our residents a safe place to stay warm and supported during, and following, extreme weather events. The Port
Hawkesbury Civic Centre is a diverse and well-used community gathering place; it is wonderful that this program has enabled the provision of this service to expand our Port Hawkesbury
emergency preparedness plan which will better meet residents’ needs during challenging weather events,” said Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton.

The Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund was announced in October 2022 to provide up to $300 million until March 2024, to support local communities and businesses affected by the storm and to help long-term recovery efforts.