Valley Communities Receive Facility Grants

Families throughout the Annapolis Valley region will have more opportunities to be active thanks to the province's recreation facility development grant program.

Nova Scotia Health Promotion is investing $467,500 in sport and recreation facilities in the region as part of a provincewide investment of $2.6 million.

The grants will be used to build, upgrade and repair community physical recreation facilities.

"Our goal is to get more people physically active throughout the province and ultimately improve the health of all Nova Scotians," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Research tells us that people are more active when they have access to safe sport and recreation facilities."

Community groups work with health promotion staff to develop their projects and apply for funding. The recreation facility development 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 this investment, the province will see about $15-million worth of construction by 82 organizations.

One of the grants awarded in the Valley will help the Windsor Recreation Centre construct an aquatic and wellness centre. The centre is receiving $255,000 to be paid over four years.

"The new aquatic centre will be a destination point in the community where everyone can come together and enjoy an accessible and user-friendly aquatic and wellness experience," said Janet Landry, director of recreation for the Town of Windsor. "By combining physical fitness with wellness we are making an investment in our residents that will benefit our community."

Ms. Landry said the entire community worked hard for the centre and they look forward to its completion. "The aquatic centre not only offers families a place to be active but also provides an opportunity to become more socially connected with the community. And that's to everyone's benefit."

Grants available through the recreation facility development program 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 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: A list of all grants awarded in the Valley region follows.

• New Minas Recreation: construct skateboard park; $10,000
• Hants Aquatic Centre Society: construct outdoor swimming pool; $255,000 paid over four years
• Port George Regional Recreation Centre: new washrooms; $10,000
• Port Royal, Branch #21 Royal Canadian Legion: new roof; $24,000
• South Shore Annapolis Valley Recreation Trail Association: trail development, Phase 3; $20,000
• North Kentville Recreation Association: install playground in Turner Subdivision; $12,000
• Wolfville Curling Club: facility upgrade; $32,000
• Western Kings Arena: arena upgrades (phased); $43,500
• Middleton, Branch #1 Royal Canadian Legion: hall renovations; $17,000
• Centreville Community Hall: hall upgrades; $12,000
• École St. Albert: construct playground; $10,000 co-funded by Department of Education
• Newport Station Elementary School: construct playground; $12,000 co-funded by Department of Education
• Bridgetown Recreation: soccer field development; $5,000
• Falmouth Community Association: hall upgrades; $5,000