Cape Breton Region Gets Investment in Sport, Recreation

NOTE: A list of all grants awarded in the Cape Breton region follows this release.

Families across the Cape Breton region will have more opportunities to be physically active thanks to the province's annual recreation facility development grant program.

Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, announced today, April 26, investments totaling $504,394 for the Cape Breton region. The investment is part of the annual $3- million provincewide grant program.

"Investing in sport and recreation facilities is one part of our overall strategy to make Nova Scotians healthier and help reduce the demand on our health-care system," said Mr. Barnet

The grants will be used to build and renovate existing community centres, halls, and baseball fields, construct a skateboarding park and equestrian facility, and help in trail development.

Community groups work with Department of Health Promotion and Protection staff to develop projects and apply for funding. The recreation facility development grant program provides up to one-third of capital costs and communities are responsible for raising the rest. The program will help create about $14.5 million in construction through 84 organizations.

"Our goal is to make Nova Scotia the healthiest province in the country," said Mr. Barnet. "We can not do this alone. I congratulate the many volunteers that recognized a need in their communities and worked so hard to build the support and make it a reality."

Grants through the recreation facility development program are provided based on criteria, such as community need and benefits, the level of planning and preparation, sustainability, and other funding commitments.

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

Note: A list of all grants awarded in the Cape Breton region follows.

• Eastern Eventers: Construct outdoor equestrian facility; $49,000
• St. Joseph's Parish Hall, Glencoe: Renovations to Glencoe Hall; $7,500
• Wilson United Church Hall: Renovations to Wilson United Church Hall; $14,500
• St. Joseph's Ballfield: Renovate canteen, washroom, and clubhouse; $28,000
• Blue Mills and Area Volunteer Fire Department: Expand Blue Mills community hall; $65,600 to be paid over two years
• East Bay Community Council: Construct interpretive trail in East Bay; $50,000
• Glace Bay Skateboard Park Society: Construct Glace Bay skateboard park; $46,000
• Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Wentworth Park: Renovate Wentworth Park; $96,000 to be paid over two years
• Sydney Curling Club: Renovations to Sydney Curling Club; $51,500 to be paid over two years
• Lighthouse Church Gym and Hall: Renovations to Gym and Hall; $40,000
• Judique Recreation Association: Construct Judique baseball field; $14,200
• Community Development of Millville: Construct playground; $7,000
• Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board, Greenfield Elementary: Construct Greenfield Elementary playground; $26,000
• Glace Bay Senior Citizen and Pensioners: Upgrade to Glace Bay Senior�s Hall; $9,094