Highland Region Receives Recreation Funding

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

Recreation facilities in the Highland region will receive $437,000 through 16 grants announced today, June 22, under the Recreation Facility Development Program.

"The province is making the right decision for Nova Scotia families by investing $2.94 million in recreation facilities throughout Nova Scotia," said MLA Maurice Smith, on behalf of Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "From playgrounds to trails, to indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, these investments will provide people in all regions access to safe and modern facilities where they can be active and stay healthy."

Under the Recreation Facility Development Program, the grants will be used to renovate facilities, develop and maintain walking trails, and build and upgrade various fields and buildings used for sport and recreation.

The program assists community groups, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations develop facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation.

Mr. Smith made the announcement at the Antigonish Education Centre, which received $10,000 to upgrade the playground.

"The Recreation Facility Development Program is another excellent example of partners working together to support students," said Mary Jess MacDonald, chair of Strait Regional School Board.

"On behalf of the Strait Regional School Board, I extend sincere thanks to the Department of Health Promotion and Protection and all partners involved for their commitment to providing resources which enable youth to have more opportunities to increase their physical activity in enhanced and safe playground areas."

NOTE: Investments in the Highland region are:

• Dalhousie Mountain Snowmobile Club: develop Dalhousie Mountain multi-use recreation trail, $15,000
• Highlander Curling Club, Saint Andrew's: replace the curling club roof, $20,000
• St. Mary's Trail Association: develop St. Mary's trail, $25,000
• Strait Regional School Board: develop outdoor court facility at the Fanning Education Centre in Guysborough, $15,000
• Friends of Redtail Society, develop trail and outdoor recreational facility, $10,000
• Strait Regional School Board: upgrade playground at the Antigonish Education Centre, $10,000
• Strait Regional School Board: upgrades to the playground at Saint Andrews Consolidated School, $10,000
• Seashore Volunteer Fire Department: build Port Bickerton community centre, $100,000 over three years
• Ocean Lake Riders ATV Club: develop multi-use recreation trail near New Harbour, $10,000
• Antigonish Town and County Recreation Association: build baseball field including diamond with fencing and lighting, $150,000 over two years
• Municipality of the District of Guysborough: develop multi-use outdoor facility in Little Dover, $20,000
• Tracadie United Baptist Church: renovate community centre at the Tracadie Baptist Church, $10,000
• Canso Curling Club: renovate Canso curling club, $6,000
• Westville Curling Club Ltd: upgrade ice plant, replace windows and doors, $6,000
• Chignecto-Central Regional School Board: develop playground at Pictou Elementary School, $10,000
• Westside Community Centre: renovate Westside Community Centre, $20,000