Valley Region Receives Recreation Funding

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

Nova Scotians will have more ways to stay fit and have fun, as the province invests $406,000 to improve and upgrade recreation facilities in the Valley Region.

Twelve grants were announced today, July 31, under the Recreation Facility Development Program. Education Minister Ramona Jennex made the announcement on behalf of David Wilson, Minister of Health and Wellness.

"When we support organizations and recreation facilities, we support Nova Scotians to lead healthier, more active lives," said Ms. Jennex. "Government is providing more than $3.1-million toward 75 projects across the province so children, youth, and families can stay fit and have fun."

The grants will help 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 New Minas Community Recreation Centre, which received $100,000 to help in its construction.

"On behalf of the Village of New Minas, I would like to thank the province and the Department of Health and Wellness for the award of $100,000 through the department's Recreation Facility Development Grant," said John Ansara, recreation director with the village.

"This grant will assist with the development of a community recreation and civic centre on Commercial Street, providing New Minas residents of all ages a greater opportunity to live a healthy and active lifestyle."

Recreation Facility Development grants help community groups, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations develop facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation.

Thrive! A plan for a healthier Nova Scotia sets out 34 main actions to create supportive environments for healthy eating and physical activity -- such as designing new after-school programs to target junior high students living in rural and remote communities, new programs to provide opportunities for free access to sport and recreation facilities and supporting healthy food policy in public institutions, including sport and recreation settings.

Following is a list of investments in the Valley Region:

• Annapolis Valley Lake and Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club, West Paradise and Bridgetown, replace two trail bridges, $16,000
• Canaan Heights Neighbourhood Association, New Minas, develop Canaan Heights park phase 1, $10,000
• Clare Golf and Country Club, Church Point, upgrade practice range, $18,000
• Country Acres Park Association, Cambridge, develop community park and playground, $12,000
• Lawrencetown Exhibition Youth Arena, Lawrencetown, upgrade to the arena, $40,000
• Town of Middleton, Middleton, improve Middleton Rotary Park, $10,000
• Municipality of the County of Kings, Greenwood, develop McMaster Mill Park, $12,000
• Newport and District Rink Commission, Newport, upgrade Newport Arena, $140,000 over two years
• Springfield Union Picnic Grounds Commission, Springfield, improve park, $8,000
• Village of New Minas, New Minas, construct gymnasium, $100,000 over two years
• Town of Windsor, construct skateboard park, $25,000
• Town of Wolfville, Wolfville, Wolfville Bike Park and Trails, $15,000