Room To Move STUDENT CONTEST!


EXPLORING A MUNICIPAL RECREATION FACILITY

Room to Move

The Municipality of Chester is growing, and it’s time for our recreation spaces to grow with us. We are exploring the development of a new, multipurpose recreation facility—a modern hub designed to attract new families, support our local workforce, and provide every resident with Room to Move.

This isn’t just about a building, it’s about investing in the economic strength and long-term health of our community.

WHY NOW?

Our current facilities are aging, and the way we play, gather, and stay active is changing. Through recent stakeholder engagement, we heard four clear priorities:

  • A Modern Model: Transitioning from failing infrastructure to a facility that meets diverse community needs.
  • Planning for Growth: Preparing for population shifts and highway expansions.
  • Economic Strength: Using recreation as a tool to attract businesses and retain a vibrant workforce.
  • Responsible Funding: Utilizing a shared funding model (Federal/Provincial/Philanthropic) to minimize the impact on the municipal tax base.

OUR VISION

A recreation facility is about more than recreation itself. It's not just an ice rink or a walking track. It’s about strengthening the everyday experience of living here and ensuring our community continues to grow in a way that supports both physical and social wellness. It means:

Room to Move into a New Life: Our community is growing, and we need a facility that keeps pace. By investing in modern recreation infrastructure, we make the Municipality of Chester a more attractive destination for new residents and young families, ensuring our region remains vibrant for generations to come.

Room to Move up in a Career: Recreation is a cornerstone of economic development. A premier facility gives our local businesses a competitive edge, helping them recruit and retain the workforce they need. From supporting local employers to attracting new investment, this project is a direct investment in our local economy.

Room to Move Closer Together: At its heart, this facility is about connection. We are creating new venues for residents of all ages to meet, play, and lead healthier lives. It’s more than just recreation; it’s a dedicated space for our community to gather and grow stronger together.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    July 2025: Project Kickoff/Steering Committee Formation

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    August/Sept 2025: Tours of 9 Existing Facilities Across NS

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    January 2026: Award Contract for Concept Designs to Stantec/Quantum Recreation

  • Timeline item 4 - active

    April 8, 2026: Community Survey Launch (Still open. See above.)

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    April 20-23, 2026: Vested Interest Holder Meetings/Public Open Houses

  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete

    May/June 2026: Community Engagement: Phase 2

  • Timeline item 7 - incomplete

    June/July 2026: Community Engagement: Phase 3

  • Timeline item 8 - incomplete

    September 2026: Concept Designs and Operational Modelling Recommendations/Report to Municipal Council