News release

Province Invests in Community, Recreation Facilities

Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
community grants
The Kiwanis Pool in Sydney.
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The Kiwanis Pool in Sydney is among the organizations receiving provincial funding; it is replacing starting blocks and lane lines at the pool with support from a Recreation Facility Development Grant. (Kiwanis Pool)

Across Nova Scotia, people who swim at public pools, skate at local rinks and gather for community suppers will see improvements at those and other recreation and community spaces with support from the Province.

The government is investing a total of $3.1 million in 85 projects by municipalities and non-profit organizations. The funding will help create new facilities or upgrade existing ones.

One of this year’s projects is helping a community rebuild: the West Dalhousie Wildfire Resiliency Park is an inclusive playground the West Dalhousie Community Hall Association is building in an area affected by last year’s wildfires in Annapolis County.

“Great communities are built around places where people can gather, get active and get involved,” said Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “With this investment, we're making sure more Nova Scotians have access to safe, welcoming spaces where the whole community can thrive.”

The funding flows through three grant programs designed to address different community needs:

  • The Community Facilities Improvement Program is funding repairs and upgrades at 41 community centres, meeting halls and other gathering spaces, helping ensure their long-term sustainability.

  • The Rink Revitalization Fund is supporting infrastructure, accessibility and energy efficiency upgrades at 18 community rinks and arenas – keeping facilities safe, welcoming and affordable.

  • The Recreation Facility Development Grant program is funding 26 projects to upgrade recreation centres, pools, parks, athletic fields and other spaces that encourage participation in sport and physical activity.

More information on the programs and lists of the organizations receiving funding are available at:

The next application period for the three programs will open in December.

Quotes:

“Our community’s playground started as a simple idea – a swing set – but after the August 2025 wildfire destroyed our gathering space, it took on a much deeper meaning. The experience was incredibly difficult for families, and the loss affected the whole community. Our kids helped design the new playground and were part of the process, which made it a symbol of hope and a fresh start for everyone involved. It’s more than just a place to play, it’s a space for families to come together, heal and reconnect. This project represents our resilience and our commitment to moving forward. We’re very grateful for the support that helped make it happen.”
— Jonathan Gillis, President, West Dalhousie Community Hall Association

Quick Facts:

  • the West Dalhousie Community Hall Association’s volunteers provided more than 8,400 meals to emergency responders and evacuees during the Annapolis County wildfires last summer
  • the Province’s accessibility strategy, Access by Design 2030, outlines how the government aims to improve accessibility through standards for the built environment, education, employment, goods and services, and information and communication

Additional Resources:

News releases related to last year’s wildfires in Annapolis County: https://news.novascotia.ca/search/all?field_topics=334

Access by Design 2030: Achieving an Accessible Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/accessibility/access-by-design/

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