South Shore Gets Investment in Sport, Recreation

NOTE: A list of grants awarded in the South Shore follows the release.

Families across the South Shore 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, May 1, investments totaling $471,085 for the South Shore region. The investment is part of the annual $3-million provincewide grant program.

"Investing in sport and recreation facilities is 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 upgrade and build playgrounds, repair and improve tennis courts, construct a sailing wharf and develop new and existing trails.

Community groups work with 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; 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 benefit, the amount 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 grants in the South Shore region follows.

• Bridgewater Tennis Club: Lights and court improvements, $14,630;
• Chester Municipal Heritage Society: Park and playground development, $39,000;
• Chester Tennis Club: Repairs to tennis courts, $6,760;
• LaHave River Yacht Club: Construct learn to sail wharf, $22,795;
• Lunenburg and District swimming pool: Upgrades to pool, $33,400 to be paid over four years;
• Lunenburg Curling Club: Upgrades to facility, $80,000;
• Municipality of the District of Barrington: Develop Wood Harbour trail, $55,000;
• Municipality of Lunenburg: Trail development, $18,500;
• Queens County Rails to Trails: Trail development, $79,000 to be paid over two years;
• Shelburne County Arena Association: Upgrades to arena, $117,000 to be paid over four years; and
• YMCA, Yarmouth: Repairs to Camp Wapomeo, $5,000.