News release

Funding for Sport, Recreation Facilities

Communities, Culture and Heritage (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

Government is investing about $1.5 million this year to develop and improve sport and recreation facilities across the province.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Cape Breton, Whitney Pier Youth Club is one of more than 40 projects to receive funding this year through the Recreational Facility Development Grant program. The club received $40,000 to help build outdoor volleyball and road hockey space.

“Investments in our sport and rec facilities are investments in communities that help people of all ages maintain an active, healthy lifestyle,” said Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette, on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine. “Quality recreation spaces help create vibrant and connected communities where Nova Scotians can raise healthy families.”

The youth club is in the final stage of a four-phase community restoration project which included expanding the space to serve more families and youth.

“We strive to meet the needs of our youth and are so pleased to see this project develop from a dream into reality,” said John Wolodka, club president and board chair. “The continued investment from the province has helped this project come to life and will allow us to serve youth and their families for generations to come.”

Community groups, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funding from the Recreational Facility Development Grant program for projects that will develop and improve facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation.

Recreation centres and halls, pools, arenas, athletic fields, parks and playgrounds and trails are examples of things that are eligible for funding under the program.

A list of 2019-20 grant recipients and more information on funding criteria can be found at: https://cch.novascotia.ca/recreation-facility-development .