Communities Receive Recreation Grants

Communities across Nova Scotia will receive grants to build, upgrade and repair sport and recreation facilities. Recreation Facility Development grants worth $2 million were announced today, June 19, by Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald.

"Our overall goal is to help Nova Scotians live healthier, more active lifestyles. An important part of that is ensuring safe and accessible places where children, youth and their families can be active, whether it's a soccer or ball field, a playground, a trail, an outdoor rink or a community centre," said Mr. MacDonald. "Communities play a vital role in sport and recreation and this investment supports them and allows them to continue their important work."

Mr. MacDonald made the announcement in Sydney, where The Golden Horseshoe Park Association is receiving $25,000 over two years to refurbish the ball field, resurface the tennis court, improve the walking track and improve accessibility.

"I've been involved with this park for well over 30 years and have seen lots of changes -- from general upkeep to changing needs," said Vince Muise, co-chair of the park association. "This support allows us to make much-needed improvements to our facilities to get ready for the national little league championship we're hosting this summer. And after the tournament, we will have a lasting legacy for all of the community to use and enjoy."

The grant program provides up to one-third of a project's capital cost and communities are responsible for raising the rest. As a result of the grant program, communities across the province will see about $12.5 million worth of construction by 81 organizations.

Grants are provided based on common criteria, such as community need and benefits, the level of planning and preparation, stability and past success of the organization, and resourcefulness and partnerships resulting in other funding commitments.

The Recreation Facility Development Grant Program is managed by Health Promotion's Sport and Recreation division.

The grant program helps municipalities and community groups plan, construct, renovate, conserve or acquire facilities for public recreation purposes. Projects eligible for assistance include community centres, pools, sport facilities, parks, playgrounds, trails and other outdoor recreation facilities.

NOTE: Following is a list of the organizations across the province receiving funding through the Recreation Facility Development Grant Program.

Cape Breton Region

• Cape Breton-Victoria School Board, Florence Elementary School: playground expansion; $2,500
• Dominion and District Recreation Complex (arena): new ice plant and public/health safety work; $33,000 paid over two years
• Golden Horseshoe Park Association, Sydney River: ball field, tennis courts and track improvements; $25,000 paid over two years
• Judique Flyer Trail Association: 18 kilometre Trans-Canada Trail; $45,000 paid over three years
• Southend Community Development Association, Sydney: roof repairs to recreation centre; $16,000 paid over two years
• Strait Regional School Board, Highlands Academy: playground construction; $18,000 paid over two years
• St. Patrick Parish, North-East Margaree: raise foundation under hall; $10,000 paid over two years
• Valley Mills Volunteer Fire Department, River Denys: structural repairs to hall; $9,500
• Whycocomagh Community Recreation Association (arena): roof replacement as per building audit; $63,000 paid over three years

Central Region

• Astral Drive Community Playground Committee: replace play equipment; $20,000 paid over two years
• Atlantic View Trail Association (ATV trail): three kilometre rail trail construction; $10,000
• BLT Parent Teacher Coalition Playground Committee: develop playground; $15,000
• BLT Rails to Trails Association: develop trail system; $10,000
• Canoe to the Sea, Lake Charles Trail: complete Lake Charles walking trail; $10,000
• Carroll's Corner Community Centre: community centre upgrade; $5,000
• Cole Harbour Parks and Trails Association: Cole Harbour Parks and Trails, $10,000
• Cole Harbour Place Community Builders Inc.: renovate arena; $5,000
• Harbour Lites New Horizons Club: addition and renovations to seniors' clubhouse; $7,500
• Eaglewood Elementary School, Halifax Regional Municipality: install play equipment; $15,000
• Lake Echo Community Board Society, Halifax Regional Municipality: develop park and playground; $50,000 paid over three years
• Mainland Common All Weather Field, Halifax Regional Municipality: develop new sports field; $20,000 paid over two years
• North End Community Outdoor Skating Rink, Halifax Regional Municipality: develop outdoor skating rink/tennis courts; $25,000
• The Gray Arena, Halifax Regional Municipality: expansion for girl's/women's change rooms; $50,000 paid over two years
• Ian Forsyth School Community Playground Committee: purchase and install playground equipment; $25,000
• LeMarchant St. Thomas School Playground Committee: construct new playground; $20,000
• Mineville Community Association: design and construct trail bridge; $5,000
• Musquodoboit Valley Bicentennial Theatre Centre: site renovations to roof, exterior wall; $20,000 paid over two years
• Novalea Community Association, Isleville -- Halifax north end: develop water park; $10,000
• Portland Estates Res. Association Park and Trails Committee: develop community trail system; $10,000
• Sackville Rivers Walkway Committee: design and placement of two kilometre trail; $20,000
• South End Lawn Tennis Club: resurface tennis courts; $10,000
• St. Margaret's Bay Area Rails to Trails Association: convert rail line into a recreational trail; $20,000
• Tantallon Centennial Athletic Club: upgrade existing ball field; $7,500

Valley Region

• Avon View School Advisory Council, Windsor: construct two soccer fields; $10,000
• Canning and District Recreation Committee: Glooscap Arena upgrades -- Phase II; $10,000
• Canning District Lions Club: replace hall floor; $4,000
• Clare Curling Club: ice shed modifications (moisture control); $25,000
• Coldbrook Recreation Commission: addition to Coldbrook Recreation Centre; $22,000
• Falmouth Community Hall Association: upgrade ball field; $10,000
• Freeport Village Commission: construct multi-purpose court; $8,000
• Glooscap Curling Club, Kentville: install new ice plant; $21,000
• Hants Shore Community Health Centre: community park at Dr. Arthur Hines School; $25,000
• Middleton Town Council: Rotary Raceway Park -- Phase II soccer field rejuvenation; $25,000
• Morristown Community Club: hall renovations; $7,000
• New Minas Parks and Recreation: construct soccer fields; $28,000
• Sam Slick Society, Windsor: Waterfront Community Centre repairs and renovations; $10,000
• Somerset and District Recreation Association: construct soccer field; $6,000
• Ecole Saint-Albert, Salmon River: develop community park; $12,000
• Valley District Soccer Association: indoor soccer facility; $200,000 paid over four years
• Weymouth Amateur Athletic Association: cricket and baseball field upgrades; $5,000
• Windsor Curling Club: refurbish ice shed; $10,000
• Windsor Town Council: replace glass in Exhibition Arena; $6,000

Fundy Region

• Amherst Curling Club: replace club roof; $4,900
• Anglican Christ Church, Amherst: replace parish hall; $25,000
• Bell Park Trail Association, Mount Uniacke: Phase II -- trail work, bridges; $2,700
• Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, West End Memorial School, Springhill: playground; $2,100
• Colchester Trails Association, Tatamagouche area: trail upgrade; $6,500
• Londonderry Community Council: hall upgrade; $2,500
• Maitland and District Development Association: Selma Schoolhouse Community Centre; $15,750
• Truro Curling Club: club upgrades; $7,600
• Truro Town Council: Victoria Park Pool; $100,000 paid over three years
• Truro Town Council: Truro Amateur Athletic Club clubhouse improvements; $7,000

Highland Region

• Chedabucto Curling Club, Guysborough: replace refrigeration plant; $20,000 paid over two years
• District 13 Recreation and Planning Commission: Ivor MacDonald Arena, Thorburn, renovations; $30,000 paid over two years
• Goshen Community and Recreation Centre: upgrade playground and improve building; $10,000
• Lakevale Mini-Trail Community Centre: renovate community centre; $20,000 paid over two years
• Lincolnville Community Development Association: develop outdoor recreation park and playground; $10,000 paid over two years
• Little Dover Community Development Association: ball field improvements; $30,000 paid over two years
• New Glasgow Riverfront Development Society: urban walking trail expansion; $10,000
• Pictou County Trails Association: develop Pictou/Oxford shoreline trail; $5,000
• Stellarton Amateur Athletic Association: renovate Albion baseball field; $30,000 paid over two years
• Town of Trenton, Trenton Arena: re-roof community centre; $30,000 paid over three years
• Hector Arena, Pictou; arena renovations; $45,000 over three years

South Shore Region

• Aspotogan Recreation Association: upgrade park and playground; $10,000
• Carleton and District Volunteer Fire Department: community centre; $30,000 paid over two years
• L'Association du Parc de Jeux d'enfants: playground construction; $20,000 paid over two years
• Municipality of the District of Argyle: Drumlin Heights Community School enhancements; $32,000 paid over two years
• Queens Fitness Centre: upgrades to fitness centre; $10,000 over two years
• Region of Queens Municipality: walking trail, waterfront development; $50,000 paid over two years
• Through The Years Day Care: community playground; $11,000
• Town and Municipality of the District Shelburne, Shelburne High School: community enhancements; $100,000 paid over four years