Province Invests in Five East Hants Recreation Projects

The Nova Scotia government is investing more than $740,000 in five recreation projects in East Hants, including upgrades to the Lantz ball field, local trails and the Walton Shore Volunteer Fire Department’s community hall.

“By investing in sports and recreation facilities, we are investing in communities and helping people of all ages maintain active, healthy lifestyles,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “As a government, one of our priorities is to ensure that all Nova Scotians have opportunities to enjoy a lifestyle that will lead them to better health.”

Trails that will be improved include the Findley Park Trail and Nine Mile River Trails, which includes building an accessible loop for people who are less mobile.

The funding will also support energy efficiency improvements to facilities in Milford as part of a net-zero initiative.

The fire department hall is the focal point of the Walton community, a venue for pancake breakfasts and other community events. The investment will make improvements to the kitchen and other areas to ensure the hall is open to all to use and enjoy for years to come.

The hall is located on the shoreline and the rising sea level has caused flooding. The work being done will help to protect the building from water surges.

The Lantz ball field improvements include lighting, drainage and road repairs.

All of the projects are community-based and volunteer-led.

The five projects are:

• Lantz Recreation – ball field lights and upgrades - $73,650
• Hants North Development Association - Findley Park Trail Development - $213,756
• Milford Recreation Association – Net-Zero Initiative - $284,000
• Nine Mile River Trails – parking lot upgrades and trail expansion - $134,565
• Walton Shore Volunteer Fire Department’s community hall – drainage system and community hall improvements - $37,532

Quotes:

“Funding these community-based, volunteer-led projects is important not only for their contribution to the physical and mental well-being of the communities they serve, but also to ensure these critical hubs of social activity thrive and grow.”

– Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage

“Today’s funding announcement makes five important projects possible. Thousands of East Hants residents will benefit from the co-operation of multiple levels of government, and our municipality is proud to be working together with the community groups who will propel these projects forward.”

– Eleanor Roulston, warden, Municipality of East Hants

Additional Resources:

Communities, Culture and Heritage: https://cch.novascotia.ca/

Municipality of East Hants: https://www.easthants.ca/