Province Invests in Aquatic Club Expansion

Halifax residents will have more access to swimming lessons, hiking trails, and paddling thanks to a provincial investment in the expansion of the Maskwa Aquatic Club.

Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, Barry Barnet made the announcement today, April 14, at the Maskwa Aquatic Club. The $300,000 investment will be part of the $1.1 million re-development and expansion of the club.

"This investment will allow the Maskwa Aquatic Club to grow and offer more opportunities for Nova Scotians to come and be physically active," said Mr. Barnet. "We know that there is a shortage of facilities across the province and we are committed to investing new money to make physical activity accessible to all Nova Scotians."

The Maskwa Aquatic Club is a not-for-profit organization that offers outdoor recreation programs and events for all ages and abilities. The provincial investment will be used toward the overall club expansion plan which includes building more boat bays to accommodate more canoes and kayaks. Increased beach facilities for more swimming programs, and the expansion of their current trail system which will be accessible in both the summer and winter months.

"The membership growth of our club has been tremendous over the past number of years," said Sean O'Connor, vice-commodore of the Maskwa Aquatic Club. "With this investment we are able to expand and meet the growing needs of our community and provide a safe place to come and participate in water activities."

Mr. O'Connor said that one of the challenges of the past few years is that they have out grown their current clubhouse. One of the highlights of this provincial investment is the design and construction of a new larger clubhouse that they will be able to use year round.

"Not only will these improvements mean more accessibility for sport and recreation but it also creates a destination for others outside the province to come and experience," said Len Goucher, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "Making our water ways accessible to our visitors is an key way we can encourage sport tourism."

The Maskwa Aquatic Club hopes to have the start the expansion in the coming fall and have it completed for the summer of 2008.