South Shore Region Receives Recreation Funding

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

The province is awarding $409,500 to help improve and upgrade recreation facilities in the South Shore region.

Seven grants were announced today, July 5, under the Recreation Facility Development Program.

"It's important for Nova Scotians to lead healthy and physically active lives," said Department of Health and Wellness ministerial assistant Gary Ramey. "We are providing $2.47 million for more than 70 projects across the province that will help families in all regions 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 Municipal Activity Recreation Centre in Dayspring.

The Lahave River Trail Association, was one of the seven organizations to receive funding. The association received $6,500 to construct a multi-use trail in the region.

"The old rail-bed system is providing our Nova Scotia communities with a base on which to build attractive, peaceful and extensive recreational trails for the enjoyment of generations to come," said Helen Feesey Ferns, chair of the Lahave River Trail Association. "We are appreciative of the partnership we have with the Department of Health and Wellness and their support to help us in our goal of a finished trail along the beautiful Lahave River."

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 South Shore region are:

• Mahone Bay Centre Society: replace gym floor in community centre, $15,000
• CSAP/Argyle track: argyle track and field facility, $120,000 over three years
• Royal Canadian Legion in New Ross: construct a legion/community centre, $140,000 over two years
• Conseil scolaire acadien provincial: upgrade playground at West Pubnico School, 30,000 over two years.
• Woodland Trails Association: trail development, $38,000
• Lahave River Trail Association: construct multi-use trail, $6,500
• Society on Making Overdue Renewal Efforts: build a skate park in Yarmouth, $60,000 over two years