Valley Region Receives Recreation Funding

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

The province is awarding $322,600 to help improve and upgrade recreation facilities in the Valley region.

Twelve grants were announced today, June 29, under the Recreation Facility Development Program.

MLA Jim Morton made the announcement on behalf of Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health and Wellness.

"When we support organizations and recreation facilities, we support Nova Scotians in leading healthier, more active lives," said Mr. Morton. "We are providing $2.47-million for more than 70 projects across the province that will help families have fun, while getting fit."

Under the Recreation Facility Development Program, the grants will be used to renovate facilities, develop and maintain walking trails, and build and upgrade various fields and buildings used for sport and recreation.

The grants were announced at the Kentville Recreation Centre. The Town of Kentville received $75,000 to develop the KCA playground and soccer field.

"On behalf of the Town of Kentville, I would like to thank the province and the Department of Health and Wellness for the award of $75,000.00 through the department's Recreation Facility Development Grant," said Kentville Mayor David Corkum. "This grant will assist with the development of a community playspace, playground and soccer field in the new KCA area on Park Street."

The program helps community groups, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations develop facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation.

Investments in the Valley region are:

• Acadia University: athletic complex upgrades and building addition, $100,000
• Annapolis Valley Lake Ridge Runners Snowmobile: develop Canaan Road trail as a trail connector, $8,000
• Berwick Curling Club: replace chiller, $5,000
• Town of Bridgetown: improvements to Jubilee Park, $10,000
• Canaan Heights Neighbourhood Association: construct community park, $23,000
• Lawrencetown and District Swimming Pool Society: upgrade outdoor swimming pool, $14,000
• Clementsport RCL Branch 122: upgrade community centre, $25,000
• Town of Hantsport: install outdoor splash pad, $14,600
• Town of Kentville: develop KCA playground and soccer field, $75,000 over two years
• Waterville Recreation Club: construct playground, $8,000
• Weymouth Amateur Athletic Association: upgrade cricket field park facility, $10,000
• Municipality of Annapolis: upgrades to Fundy YMCA, $30,000 over two years