Annapolis Valley Communities Get Sport, Recreation Investment

NOTE: A list of investments awarded in the Annapolis Valley follows this release.

People in the Annapolis Valley will soon have more opportunities and places to be physically active thanks to a $482,500 investment from the province's recreation facility development program.

Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, announced the investments today, June 11, for community groups, not-for-profit organizations and associations in the Annapolis Valley.

"Providing children, families and seniors with accessible places to participate in sport and recreation is a key part of our plan to build safer, healthier communities," said Mr. Barnet. "These groups have worked hard to improve their communities and we are proud to support them with these investments."

The grants will be used to develop trail systems, improve playgrounds, construct soccer fields and build outdoor multi-purpose courts.

Recreation facility development is a $3-million program that 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. Community groups develop facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation. They work with Health Promotion and Protection staff to plan 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. "These announcements represent another positive step toward reaching that goal."

Recreation facility development is one part of the province's commitments to invest $68 million in sport and recreation infrastructure by the year 2017.

NOTE: A list of investments in the Annapolis Valley is as follows:

• Annapolis Valley Regional School Board-Berwick and District School: construct community recreation park, $35,000
• Université Sainte-Anne: replace chiller unit and construct arena addition, $110,000
• Freeport Community Development Association: develop walking trail, $10,500
• Scott's Bay Community Hall Association: construct outdoor multi-purpose court, $7,000
• Conseil scolaire acadien provincial-École Joseph Dugas: construct new playground, $40,000
• New Minas Recreation: construct outdoor multi-purpose court, $26,000
• Hantsport Recreation: renovate and upgrade baseball field, $15,000
• Annapolis Valley Regional School Board-Windsor Forks District School: install new playground, $15,000
• Wolfville Parks and Recreation: construct soccer field and playground, $43,000
• Annapolis Valley Lake and Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club: develop new multi-use trail, $26,000
• Cornwallis River Pathways Society: develop multi-use trail, $40,000
• Annapolis Valley Lake and Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club: purchase trail groomer, $45,000
• Annapolis Valley Regional School Board-Wolfville School, improve playground and surrounding play area, $70,000