News release

Investing in Recreational Infrastructure in Halifax Regional Municipality

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

The Nova Scotia government is partnering with the federal government in a $1.46 million investment to upgrade two community recreational facilities that promote healthy and active lifestyles.

“Recreational facilities play a significant role in strengthening our communities and our province,” said Deputy Premier Kelly Regan, on behalf of Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. “Investing in places like Orenda Canoe Club and Cheema Aquatic Club means Nova Scotia families have access to upgraded community infrastructure that provide space for safe and inclusive recreational programming.”

The province is providing Orenda Canoe Club in Lake Echo with $200,000 to complete the second phase of its renovation and community revitalization project and enhance the club’s current programs.

Cheema Aquatic Club in Waverley will receive $500,000 from the province toward the expansion and retrofit of the Frank Garner Boat House facility. This funding will increase the quality of this valuable piece of community and recreational infrastructure. It also improves accessibility to the club, which will allow for more inclusive programs like para-paddling.

The Government of Canada is contributing $160,000 to the Orenda Canoe Club project and $600,000 to the Cheema Aquatic Club through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Halifax Regional Municipality is also contributing $20,000 to Orenda Canoe Club.

Quotes:

“The Government of Canada is taking strong and quick action to protect the health and safety of all Canadians, to stabilize our economy, and to support communities across Canada. The Cheema Aquatic Club and the Orenda Canoe Club are pillars in their communities, and I am proud to be able to announce this funding which will benefit residents across our riding."

– Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“I’m happy to see all levels of government supporting Orenda Canoe Club with their clubhouse expansion. The municipality has always provided assistance with their endeavours over the years. It’s great to have this collaboration for the betterment of the community “

  • David Hendsbee, District 2 councillor, Halifax Regional Municipality

“The Orenda Canoe Club is an important part of our community, so we are very excited to complete the second phase of our expansion and renovation project. The investments announced today will ensure our continued success, and through us, the success of youth, competitive athletes and our community.”

– Shelley Leverman-Peddle, club commodore, Orenda Canoe Club

“The funding announced today is the culmination of several years of work for volunteers at Cheema. This investment allows us to push forward our growth strategy for current programming, makes the launch of a new para-paddling initiative a reality and provides the capacity for Cheema to be a more engaged and supportive neighbour to the surrounding communities. We are beyond thrilled about what this means for the youth of our community.”

– Nadine Lamontagne, club commodore, Cheema Aquatic Club

Quick Facts:

  • Orenda Canoe Club is in Lake Echo and home to five Olympic champions
  • Cheema Aquatic Club is a globally recognized canoe and kayak club that focuses primarily on sprint canoe and kayak racing

Additional Resources:

Orenda Canoe Club: https://orendacanoeclub.ca/

Cheema Aquatic Club: https://www.cheema.ca/