Manulife Canada has pledged $1 million over 10 years to support one of the largest recreation facilities in Halifax. The venue will now be known as the Manulife Recreation Centre, Home of the 2011 Jeux du Canada Games.
The long-term partnership with Halifax Regional Municipality and the Canada Games Centre Society reflects a shared commitment to community health, accessibility, and active living.
Under the agreement, Manulife will contribute $100,000 annually for 10 years, with funds directed toward facility improvements. The company will also invest approximately $300,000 in rebranding at the site.
About the Manulife Recreation Centre in Halifax
Formerly known as the Canada Games Centre, the 176,000-square-foot facility located at 26 Thomas Raddall Drive serves:
- Over 10,000 members
- Nearly 1 million visitors annually
- Families, seniors, youth, and high-performance athletes
Built as a legacy project for the 2011 Canada Games, the centre will retain references to its Canada Games history throughout the building.
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New Programs to Improve Community Access
As part of the sponsorship, Manulife will support:
- “Healthy Habits, Active Advice” – a relaunched health and nutrition speaker series
- Free public access to the field house and aquatics centre once per month
- Broader community programming aimed at lowering barriers to participation
The initiative is designed to make recreation and wellness services more accessible to residents who may not otherwise use the facility regularly.
Why This Investment Matters
Halifax has been one of Canada’s fastest-growing urban areas. In 2024, the city’s population increased by 2.4% to more than 502,000 residents, largely driven by international migration. Population growth has added pressure to housing, healthcare, and recreational infrastructure across Nova Scotia.
Against this backdrop, Manulife’s investment strengthens public health infrastructure and supports preventive wellness initiatives, an area of growing interest for life and health insurers.
Financial institutions have increasingly used naming rights partnerships to support community infrastructure while building long-term brand presence. For example, Scotiabank recently renewed its naming agreement for the Scotiabank Centre through 2030.
Manulife’s Focus on Health and Longevity
The Halifax initiative aligns with Manulife’s broader strategy centered on health, longevity, and financial well-being.
In November 2025, Manulife launched the Manulife Longevity Institute with a $350 million global commitment to research, innovation, and partnerships aimed at closing the gap between lifespan and healthspan.
The Halifax recreation centre partnership represents a local expression of this global longevity strategy.
Support from Local and Provincial Leaders
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore described the partnership as a way to align private investment with public health goals as the city grows.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston called the agreement an example of effective public-private collaboration to promote preventive health and active living.
A community grand opening event under the new name is planned for the summer.
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Company Profile: Manulife Canada
Manulife Canada is the Canadian division of Manulife Financial, one of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services companies. The company provides life insurance, health insurance, group benefits, retirement solutions, and investment products to millions of Canadians.
With more than 800 employees in Nova Scotia and over 37,000 globally, Manulife Canada focuses on promoting longevity, financial security, and preventive health solutions. Through initiatives like the Manulife Longevity Institute and community partnerships such as the Halifax recreation centre investment, the company continues to expand its role in supporting healthier, longer lives.
