Press Release
(For immediate release)
Little Brook, Nova Scotia – February 18, 2026: The Municipality of Clare is proud and excited to celebrate the grand opening of the new Clare Veterans Centre (CVC), a modern, accessible, and energy-efficient community facility designed to serve residents for generations to come.
The newly constructed Clare Veterans Centre replaces the former building that previously housed Branch 52 of the Royal Canadian Legion for more than 45 years. In 2013, ownership of the building was transferred to the Municipality at the request of Legion members who were no longer able to maintain the facility. Under municipal ownership and management, the building evolved into a vibrant community hub, hosting more than 250 events and activities annually and becoming a venue of choice for community groups and event organizers across Clare.
While preparing to renovate the former building in 2023, a detailed structural review revealed significant deficiencies in the aging building, making renovations much more costly than anticipated. Instead, the Municipality opted for a complete rebuild.
The result is the newly constructed CVC: a single-storey, 9,000 square foot, slab-on-grade building with a strong focus on energy efficiency, climate resiliency, accessibility, and modern design. Important features of the facility include a net-zero design, rooftop photovoltaic panels, a highly efficient heating and cooling system, gender-neutral washrooms, and a fully accessible design currently undergoing certification by the Rick Hansen Foundation.
The Centre also includes a modern commercial kitchen, a licensed bar service area operated by the Clare Veterans Association, a multi-purpose studio with a sprung floor, an office for the Clare Veterans Association, a meeting room, and additional amenities that allow the building to function as an evacuation centre during emergencies. These features ensure the CVC can continue to serve a wide range of community needs while honouring the building’s historic connection to veterans.
The total cost of the project was just under $8 million. Construction of the Clare Veterans Centre was made possible through a combination of federal, provincial, and municipal funding, including:
- $3,756,494 from the Government of Canada:
- $2,356,494 through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, administered by Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
- $1,400,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) through the Innovative Communities Fund
- $526,893 from the Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Municipal Affairs through the Sustainable Services Growth Fund
- $25,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Municipal Affairs through the Beautification and Streetscaping Program
- Approximately $3,000,000 from the Municipality of Clare, based on pending funding applications
The grand opening of the Clare Veterans Centre marks the completion of a significant community investment — one that strengthens community connections and ensures this important gathering place will continue to serve Clare residents for years to come.
Quotes
“Yesterday’s opening of Clare Veterans Centre underscores what can be achieved when a community and supporters come together with a shared vision,” said Chris d'Entremont, Member of Parliament for Acadie—Annapolis on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. “Built on connection, this accessible and energy‑efficient space gives residents a vibrant place to gather and celebrate Acadian culture, while welcoming visitors eager to experience the heritage and spirit of Clare.”
“Accessible and inclusive spaces are essential to building stronger communities. When we design buildings where everyone can participate, we strengthen our connections and create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to come together. The province is proud to have played a part in helping to bring this project to life. It shows what can be achieved when governments and communities work together,” said Ryan Robicheau, MLA for Clare, on behalf of Minister of Municipal Affairs John A. MacDonald.
“This project represents the very best of what community investment can achieve,” said Warden Yvon LeBlanc, Municipality of the District of Clare. “The new Clare Veterans Centre is a modern, welcoming space designed to bring people together. We are proud to provide the community with a new place to gather, connect, and grow—one that will serve Clare for many years to come.”
Media Contacts
Yvon LeBlanc
Warden, Municipality of Clare
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 902-778-0653
Pam Doucet
Director of Community Development, Municipality of Clare
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 902-769-2031
Photos
