Valley Region Receives Recreation Funding

NOTE: A list of grants awarded in the Valley region follows this release.

Improvements to the Glooscap District Arena in Canning is one of 10 projects in the Valley region receiving grants totalling $270,000 to help Nova Scotians stay fit and have fun.

The region's grants were announced today, June 18, through the Recreation Facility Development Program.

"Community organizations and recreation facilities like this arena offer Nova Scotians a wide variety of ways to get active and lead healthier lives," said Kings North MLA Jim Morton, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson. "The province is providing nearly $2 million for 59 projects provincewide so children, youth, and families can stay fit and have fun."

The Canning and District Recreation Commission is getting $40,000 to replace the chiller for making ice at the arena.

"This funding could not have come at a better time," said Dave Morton, chair of the arena improvement project. "With this grant, we'll be able to get the new chiller installed and open the arena in the fall for everyone in the community to enjoy."

The grants help community groups, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations develop facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation. Examples include renovations to buildings, developing and maintaining walking trails, and building and upgrading fields used for sport and recreation.

The grants support Thrive!, the province's plan for a healthier Nova Scotia. The plan has 34 actions to create supportive environments for healthy eating and physical activity. Learn more at http://thrive.novascotia.ca .

Following is a list of grants in the Valley region:

• Canaan Heights Neighbourhood Association, building a community park, $16,000
• Canning and District Recreational Commission, replacing the chiller at the Glooscap Arena, $40,000
• Centreville Baptist Church, complete multi-purpose gym, $12,000
• Country Acres Park Association, building a community park and playground, $8,000
• Glooscap Elementary School, building a community park, $32,000
• Hants Shore Karate Club, renovate Centre Burlington Church into a karate training facility, $10,000
• Lawrencetown Exhibition Youth Arena, arena upgrades, $65,000
• New Minas Village Commission, gym upgrades and acoustic panels, $10,000
• Town of Wolfville, building a mountain bike park, $12,000
• Western Kings Rink Association, new floor, boards, glass and net, $65,000