Two Shelburne County Communities Receive Infrastructure Funding

Residents in Clarks Harbour will soon enjoy a new civic centre and people in Woods Harbour will soon have a multi-use trail thanks to funding through the Canada-Nova Scotia Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

Funding includes the construction of a 2.8-kilometre multi-use trail in the centre of the community of Woods Harbour. This trail will provide three-season access for walkers, runners and cyclists, and winter access for cross-country skiers. Project funding also includes the design and construction of an energy-efficient civic centre in Clarks Harbour. The centre will house a visitor information centre, municipal offices, conference room, community-access site and a public library.

Federal and provincial funding of $683,837 was announced today, Feb. 16, by the government of Canada and Nova Scotia. The Town of Clarks Harbour and the Municipality of the District of Barrington will fund the balance of project costs after formally accepting the agreement.

In addition, the government of Canada will contribute an additional $184,000 to the Clarks Harbour project, through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund.

"Our investment in the community centre and the multi-use trail reflects our commitment to putting families first and our focus on making our communities stronger and healthier," said Premier Rodney MacDonald.

"Canada's government is working with its partners to get things done for the people of Shelburne County," said MP Gerald Keddy, on behalf of Peter MacKay, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "This investment will allow residents of Clarks Harbour, Woods Harbour and all surrounding areas to enjoy their communities, made more vibrant with the addition of a civic centre and new walking trails."

The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund supports community infrastructure improvements, including energy-efficient buildings.

"This investment in the Clarks Harbour Community Centre brings many benefits to our residents, including a new library, a CAP site, and a visitor information centre," said Leigh Stoddart, mayor of Clarks Harbour. "The centre will help encourage economic opportunities for our area."

"The multi-use trail will be a welcome addition to our community," said Ms. Louise Halliday, warden for the Municipality of the District of Barrington. "It will help encourage our families to partake in physical activities and make our community healthier."

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 program management committee.