South Shore Communities Get Sport, Recreation Investment

NOTE: A list of investments awarded on the South Shore follows this release.

People on the South Shore will soon have more opportunities and places to be physically active thanks to a $476,820 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 on the South Shore.

"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, renovate community centres and construct playgrounds in the region.

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 commitment to invest $68 million in sport and recreation infrastructure by the year 2017.

NOTE: A list of investments in the South Shore is as follows:

• Chester District Elementary School: develop park and playground, $17,000
• Greenfield Recreation Association: repair roof on community centre, $11,000
• New Ross Consolidated School: upgrade playground and soccer field, $133,820
• South Shore/Annapolis Valley Recreation Trail Association: develop multi-use trail, $60,000
• St. Ambrose Cathedral Parish Hall: construct multi-purpose room in hall, $10,000
• St. Stephens Parish Community Hall: construct multi-purpose facility, $50,000
• Vogler's Cover Community Hall Society: expand community hall, $50,000
• Westfield Community Centre: construct community centre, $50,000
• Woodland Multi-Use Trail Association: develop multi-use trail, $70,000
• Gold River/Western Shore Elementary School: develop park and playground, $25,000