Recreation Facility Funding for Highland Region

NOTE: A list of all grants awarded in the Highland region follows this release.

Replacing the roof of the St. Mary's RecPlex in Guysborough County is one of eight projects in the Highland region receiving grants totaling $217,000 this year to help Nova Scotians lead healthy, active lifestyles.

The region's grants were announced today, July 11, through the Recreation Facility Development Program.

"Supporting sport and recreation facilities is important to help Nova Scotians lead healthy lifestyles," said Guysborough-Tracadie-Eastern Shore MLA Lloyd Hines, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "With nearly $2 million for 67 projects across the province, Nova Scotians of all ages can get active and have fun using new and upgraded facilities like this recreation centre."

The Municipality of the District of St. Mary's is getting $30,000 to upgrade the RecPlex.

"The St. Mary's Recplex is a very important part of our rural community, and has been adapted over the years to become a multi-use facility meeting the needs of local organizations such as minor hockey and the St. Mary's Curling Club," said Warden Michael Moser. "With the help of the provincial government, we can now ensure that this facility is maintained for our community for many years to come."

The Guysborough Athletic Association is also getting $30,000 to build a multipurpose outdoor court complex.

The grants help community groups, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations develop facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation. Examples include renovations to buildings, developing and maintaining walking trails, and building and upgrading fields for sport and recreation.

The grants support Thrive!, the province's plan for a healthier Nova Scotia. The plan aims to create supportive environments for healthy eating and physical activity. Learn more at http://thrive.novascotia.ca .

Following is a list of all grants in the Highland region:

• Municipality of the District of Saint Mary's, replacing the RecPlex roof, $30,000
• Guysborough Athletic Association, building a multipurpose outdoor court, $30,000
• Highlander Curling Club, new heat recovery system, $15,000
• Hector Arena Commission, upgrades to mechanical plant, $30,000 in 2014-15, and $30,000 in 2015-16
• Town of New Glasgow, building a natural play space, $40,000
• Town of Westville, building new trails and green space, $20,000
• Pictou County Trails Association, extending the Short Line Trail through Scotsburn, $27,000
• Pictou County Recreation and Athletics Association, track equipment and bleachers, $25,000