Government Invests in Cape Breton Sport and Recreation
Sport and recreation organizations in Cape Breton will benefit from a $2.7 million investment from the Province, aimed at promoting physical activity and creating opportunities to draw visitors and host events.
“These sport and recreation facilities are integral parts of their immediate and surrounding communities,” said Brian Comer, MLA for Cape Breton East and Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health, on behalf of Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “Our government is proud to invest in these projects that will provide residents and visitors to Cape Breton with more options to stay fit and connect with communities.”
The funding includes $2 million to Cape Breton Regional Municipality for Phase 2 of the Hawks Dream Field project in Dominion. This will allow for a fully accessible recreation complex including a bocce ball court, washrooms, a canteen, a splash pad, lighting, an electronic scoreboard and a space to showcase Cape Breton’s rich baseball history.
The Municipality of the County of Inverness will receive $610,000 to build an outdoor multi-court recreation facility, including accessible pathways, pickleball courts and a basketball court.
Government is also contributing $100,000 to the Two Rivers Development Association to maintain and upgrade recreational areas of the Two Rivers Wildlife Park, on the Mira River in Huntington.
Quotes:
“I’m extremely pleased that Premier Houston along with our MLA John White (Glace Bay-Dominion) see the vision that was created by the committee for this wonderful facility. This announcement by the Province will allow the project to be completed this year and the field should be in full use next year. Although this fully accessible all-inclusive facility is located here in Dominion, which I’m very happy about, it will be used by residents across CBRM.”
– Darren Bruckschwaiger, District 10 Councillor, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
“We cannot express how incredibly grateful we are to receive this provincial support. Our dream is becoming a reality and now the entire CBRM community and all its visitors will be able to enjoy the first 100-per-cent accessible, inclusive, multi-sport outdoor facility here in Cape Breton. We look forward to seeing people of all ages and abilities on this beautiful field for many years to come and we couldn't have done it without this investment.”
– Lisa MacNeil-Campbell, Director, Hawks Dream Field Society
“Collaborative recreation projects such as the Inverness Outdoor Recreation Facility contribute to positive physical and mental health outcomes, increased visitation and retention, and improved livability. This project will create an accessible, multi-purpose recreation space in the community of Inverness as a county-wide shared asset which will benefit all residents.”
– Bonny MacIssac, Deputy Warden, Municipality of the County of Inverness
“As always, our organization is grateful for receiving this funding. The funding will allow us to purchase necessary equipment to further upgrades to our wildlife trail, hiking trails, playground and beach area. With ongoing support from the public and all levels of government, Two Rivers will continue to be a year-round family and tourist destination in Cape Breton."
– John Huntington, Park Manager, Two Rivers Development Association
Quick Facts:
- Phase 2 of the Hawks Dream Field project will begin in July, with an anticipated completion date of Spring 2023
- the new outdoor recreation facility in Inverness will serve the entire region for tournaments, inter-school play and tourist use
- Two Rivers Wildlife Park is a 202-hectare (500-acre) outdoor park with hiking trails, an accessible playground, wildlife enclosure, swimming area and onsite camping
Additional Resources:
Hawks Dream Field website: https://www.hawksdreamfield.ca/
Municipality of the County of Inverness website: https://invernesscounty.ca/
Two Rivers Wildlife Park website: https://www.tworiverspark.ca/