Orenda Canoe Club to Expand Facility and Increase Accessibility

With a significant investment from the province, Orenda Canoe Club in Lake Echo will be able to expand its facility and provide year-round recreation and sport experiences for Nova Scotians, especially youth.

Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Aquiculture, on behalf of Tony Ince, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, announced $608,500 in funding today, April 7.

"Sport and recreation facilities are vital to keeping our communities strong and vibrant," said Mr. Colwell. "Government is proud to invest in facilities like Orenda Canoe Club, which give Nova Scotians opportunities to maintain social connections and lead healthy lifestyles."

Orenda Canoe Club is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that provides recreation and sport activities for youth, as well as programs to develop athletes in the sport of paddling.

The funding will allow the club to expand its training space, increase accessibility, purchase modern equipment and make necessary on-site upgrades.

"We are excited to partner with the province to finally bring this project to life," said Shelley Leverman-Peddle, commodore, Orenda Canoe Club. "This investment will help the club expand and improve as a sport and recreation hub for youth, competitive athletes and our community."

The canoe club has provided an athletic foundation for five Olympians: Steve Giles, Leslie-Anne Young, Glen Girard, Peter Giles and Genevieve Orton, as well as many other athletes who have represented Nova Scotia and Canada at national and international paddling events.

For more information about Orenda Canoe Club, visit http://www.orendacanoeclub.ca.

Investment in community organizations and increasing inclusion and access to recreation for Nova Scotians are vital parts of the province's recently unveiled culture strategy, Nova Scotia's Culture Action Plan. You can read the full plan at https://novascotia.ca/culture/.