Province Invests in Fundy YMCA

Families in the Cornwallis, Annapolis Co. area will have access to a safe, modern recreation facility when the wellness centre in Cornwallis Park becomes the Fundy YMCA.

All levels of government and community organizations committed a total of $650,000 toward the project today, Dec. 18, including $150,000 from the province.

"Helping to reopen this facility is the right decision for the people of this region, providing opportunities for residents to lead active, healthy lives," said Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Ramona Jennex, on behalf of Health Promotion and Protection Minister Maureen MacDonald. "Investing in recreation facilities is part of our commitment to make life better for families in Nova Scotia."

Project funding also includes $300,000 from the federal government and $100,000 each from the Municipality of the District of Digby and the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre. The Municipality of the County of Annapolis will continue to own the facility, making mortgage and debt payments.

A community fundraising campaign is also underway and kicked off with an $80,000 donation from the Annapolis West Health Foundation.

"Government's investment in these essential improvements to the centre will help ensure that the people of Cornwallis and surrounding communities continue to have access to a valuable community recreational resource," said MP Greg Kerr, on behalf of ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield. "The YMCA's role in the management of the upgraded facility will add to the quality of the services offered through the centre and to the attractiveness of Cornwallis as a place in which to live, work and invest."

"Strong partnership is the key to any success and this is a good example of the outcome," said Reg Ritchie, warden of the Municipality of the County of Annapolis.

"The financial support of these organizations shows a combined effort in reaching a common goal of ensuring a sustainable wellness facility for the people in our region wanting to pursue and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. This financial support and the YMCA's dedication have given us confidence that this project will come to fruition."

The investments will assist the Municipality of the County of Annapolis in upgrading the wellness centre and its exercise equipment to meet YMCA standards. Planned upgrades include an expansion of the cardio fitness area, reconfiguring office space, safety improvements and a state-of-the-art air conditioning system.

Once upgrades are complete, the facility will be managed by the YMCA and will serve area residents and clientele of the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre and the Pearson Peackeeping Centre.