News release

Province Supports Landsdowne Outdoor Recreation Development Association

Health Promotion and Protection (March 2006 - Jan. 2011)
Economic and Rural Development (Jan. 2009 - Jan. 2011)

Seniors and persons with disabilities will soon be able to better enjoy outdoor recreation activities when a park in the Westville, Pictou County area reopens with help from the province.

The Landsdowne Outdoor Recreation Development Association operates a 121-hectare park, known as LORDA, that offers free fishing and camping for seniors, persons with disabilities and their families.

The Departments of Economic and Rural Development and Health Promotion and Protection will provide a combined $33,000.

This funding will allow for capital upgrades to the park and implementation of recommendations from an operational analysis and strategic plan, which both departments funded in 2008.

"The park provides important physical activity and recreation opportunities for the people of Pictou County and Nova Scotia," said Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, Maureen MacDonald. "Getting Nova Scotians more active is a top priority of our department."

"This is a valuable recreational park for the community and the province," said Minister of Economic and Rural Development, Percy Paris. "Staff from both departments will lend their expertise to ensure its sustainability in an effort to make life better for families in this region."

The association's board of directors will work with the province to implement recommendations from its analysis. The association also has a volunteer staff member in place to develop a fundraising strategy.

"We are pleased with this support from the province," said David Leese, LORDA's curator. "It shows the importance of the park and what it has to offer its community and seniors."

Funding through Economic and Rural Development's Community Development Funds supports projects and activities identified as key projects necessary for the economic growth, development and stabilization of a region. Investments for the 2009-10 fiscal year in 55 community projects across the province totalled $1.4 million and helped generate an additional $6.9 million from other funding sources for projects.

Funding from Health Promotion and Protection came from two grant programs. The Regional Development Grant Program supports projects and activities which respond to a variety of physical activity, sport and recreation priority areas. For the 2009-10 fiscal year, a total investment of $530,000 was made in 173 small-scale physical activity, sport and recreation projects across the province. The Community Recreation Capital Grant Program assists in the development of small-scale indoor and outdoor capital recreation projects. For the 2009-10 fiscal year, a total investment of $286,000 was made in 83 projects.