Communities in Fundy Region Get Sport, Recreation Investment

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

People in the Fundy region will soon have more opportunities and places to be physically active thanks to a $402,200 investment from the province's recreation facility development program.

Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, announced the investments today, June 12, for community groups, not-for-profit organizations and associations, municipalities and band councils in the Fundy region.

"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 trails, build ball fields and construct playgrounds.

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 Fundy region is as follows:

• Municipality of Colchester: extend Cobequid Trail network, $68,400
• Fundy Fitness Association: develop fitness facility, $40,000
• Oxford Lions Club: construct playground, $27,000,
• Town of Stewiacke: enhance Winding River Elementary School for community use, $30,000
• Town of Oxford: renovate arena, $58,500
• Shubenacadie Band Council: replace baseball field, $45,000
• Nine Mile River Trail Association: construct multi-use trail, $12,000
• Truro Rugby Club: develop Farnham Mill Rugby Park, $67,300,
• Wittenburg Baptist Chruch: renovate multi-purpose recreation centre, $25,000
• West Colchester Recreation Association: upgrade arena, $21,000
• Milford Recreation Association: improve playground, $8,000