Tantramar civic centre users will soon be able to watch their hockey and skating in a little more comfort.
The first round of spectator seating will soon be installed in the rink, thanks to a fundraising effort that was launched in 2025 called the Grab-A-Seat campaign.
“So far the fundraising campaign has raised enough money for 215 seats,” said director of Active Living and Culture Matt Pryde.
Tantramar council approved the installation of the 200 20-inch seats at its February council meeting. The seats will be supplied and installed by Creative Sports Solutions of Darmouth, Nova Scotia at a cost of approximately $68,000.
The goal, said Pryde, is to raise enough funds – through the campaign, potential sponsors, and possible grants – for a total of 630 seats, which will be installed over the current concrete bleacher-style seating.
“The plan is in the future, as we raise more money, to install more seats,” he said.
The intention is not to spend any municipal funds on the project, although Tantramar’s Director of Financial Services Michael Beal pointed out that if it comes down to it, once fundraising efforts have been exhausted, there could be funds budgeted in future years if warranted.
“That is the initial plan, for the town to not to have to put any funds in. Once we complete the seat campaign and get to a certain point . . .. that can form a discussion as to, “okay we have done 400 or we have done 500, let’s complete it,” said Beal.
