Recreation Facility Funding for Valley

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

Upgrades to the pool at Université Sainte-Anne is one of 13 projects in the Valley region receiving grants to support fun and physical activity for Nova Scotians.

The region's grants totalling $244,000 were announced today, June 25, through the Recreation Facility Development Program.

"It's important for Nova Scotians to make physical activity a part of their daily lives," said Clare-Digby MLA Gordon Wilson on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "We're investing nearly $1.7 million for 65 new and upgraded facilities around the province to give individuals and families opportunities for fun physical activity in their communities."

Université Sainte-Anne will use $17,000 to upgrade the heat recovery and ventilation systems for the pool in the Centre Sportif.

"This funding will improve the air quality and reduce excess humidity associated with the pool, which will increase the life span of the building and reduce energy costs," said Mary Ann Gauvin, director of the centre. "After 40 years of service, our pool and other facilities in the Centre Sportif will continue to provide recreation opportunities in this area for many years to come."

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 government'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 Valley region grants:

• Digby Area Recreation Commission, arena upgrades, $40,000
• Windsor Rotary Club, Camp Mockingee upgrades, $12,750
• Town of Middleton, park for using skateboards, BMX, scooters and rollerblades, $20,000
• Trojan Sports Society, facility upgrades including a bigger field, $20,000
• Pisiquid Canoe Club, clubhouse renovation, $34,000
• Town of Berwick, splash pad and change/washroom facilities, $21,000
• Brooklyn Elementary School, trail improvements, natural play space, and outdoor learning centre, $10,000
• Windsor Elementary School, natural play space, $15,000
• Champlain Elementary School, natural play space and community walking trail, $12,250
• Coldbrook District School, accessibility upgrades to playground, $15,000
• Université Sainte-Anne, upgrades to swimming pool, $17,000
• Town of Digby, new skatepark, $10,000
• Annapolis County Trails Society, two trail bridges and signage, $17,000