HRM Receives Infrastructure Investment

Residents of Halifax Regional Municipality will have more opportunities to get active in a gym or on the trails thanks to provincial and federal funding through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

The projects announced today, April 2, include a new recreation centre on Prospect Road and in the community of Fall River. Each community centre will serve more than 100,000 users in eight communities and include a full-sized gym, fitness centre, multi-purpose programming space and meeting rooms. There will be upgrades to the following HRM trails: Bedford Highway bikeway, Shubie Canal trail, Dartmouth Harbourfront trails, and the Halifax urban greenway.

Federal and provincial funding of $5,444,000 was announced today, April 2. HRM will fund the balance upon formal acceptance of the agreement and federal environmental assessment approval.

"The federal government is getting things done by investing in projects that deliver real and lasting benefits for families and communities around Halifax," said Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "Through our investment of over $2 million, we are delivering on our promise to make communities vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families."

Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, said the investment is helping build healthier and vibrant communities.

"Today's investment is an investment in the health and wellness of HRM residents," said Mr. Muir. "The two community centres and the trails will encourage sports and recreation to residents of all ages."

Peter Kelly, mayor of HRM, said he is pleased these projects are moving forward.

"Recreation centres and trails help create vital communities by encouraging healthy lifestyles and community engagement," said Mr. Kelly. "This worthwhile investment will benefit HRM residents as well as visitors to our region."

The $111 million, six-year Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities are members of the management committee.