Cape Breton Region Receives Recreation Funding

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

Nova Scotians will have more ways to stay fit and have fun, as the province invests $183,000 to improve and upgrade recreation facilities in the Cape Breton Region.

Four grants were announced today, July 27, under the Recreation Facility Development Program.

"The province has a plan to create a healthier Nova Scotia and when we support organizations and recreation facilities, we help Nova Scotians to lead healthier, more active lives," said Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson. "We're pleased to provide more than $3 million to support 75 projects across the province."

The grants will help to renovate facilities, develop and maintain walking trails, and build and upgrade various fields and buildings used for sport and recreation.

One of the four grants in the Cape Breton Region was awarded to the Mabou Sailing Club, which received $15,000 to purchase boats and upgrade the premises.

"Rural communities across Nova Scotia face unique challenges in developing sport so it is fortunate that we can leverage the resources of our provincial and federal government to create opportunities to get active and stay active," said Danny MacDonald, a founding member of the Mabou Sailing and Boating Club. "Sailing provides many challenges, plenty of fun, and teaches the value of self discipline. It is a healthy, outdoor, water sport that builds confident and able young men and women.

"We sincerely appreciate the assistance we have received from the department of Health and Wellness to develop sailing in our area."

Recreation Facility Development grants help community groups, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations develop facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation.

Thrive! A plan for a healthier Nova Scotia sets out 34 main actions to create supportive environments for healthy eating and physical activity, such as designing new after-school programs to target junior high students living in rural and remote communities, new programs to provide opportunities for free access to sport and recreation facilities and supporting healthy food policy in public institutions, including sport and recreation settings.

Learn more and take the pledge at thrive.novascotia.ca .

Following is a list of investments in the Cape Breton Region:

• Cape Breton Regional Municipality Greenlink Trail System, improve trails in the Sydney Rotary Park, $80,575
• Mabou Sailing Club, purchase boats and site upgrades, $15,000
• Victoria Highlands Civic Centre, Baddeck, upgrade civic centre, $53,000
• Glace Bay and Area Y's Men and Women's Club, repair Town Centre Lanes Bowling Alley, $35,000