Fundy Region Gets Investment in Sport, Recreation Infrastructure

NOTE: A list of grants awarded in the Fundy region follows this release.

Families across the Fundy 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, May 14, investments totaling $217,500 for the Fundy 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 renovate a recreation centre and community hall, increase playground equipment, develop more trails, and upgrade a baseball field.

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 Fundy region follow:

• North Shore Recreation Centre: upgrades to areana, $131,000;
• Town of Oxford: Oxford Lions Arena capital improvements, $27,000;
• Chignecto Central Regional School Board, Cobequid District School: Upgrade Playground, $7,500;
• Rainbow Community Hall: Upgrade to community hall, $8,000;
• Hants North Baseball Association: Upgrade baseball field, $15,000;
• Nine Mile River Trails Association: Develop multi use trails, $20,000; and
• Shubenacadie Canal Commission: Construct walking trail, $9,000.