Aquatic Clubs "Out of the Gate" with New Infrastructure Funding
News Release
Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour, was at the the Canadian Sprint CanoeKayak Championships on Lake Banook to announce four projects totaling $86,000 through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150). The funding supports a variety of infrastructure upgrades at four aquatic clubs in the Dartmouth area: Senobe Aquatic Club, Banook Canoe Club, Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club, and Abenaki Aquatics Club. MP Fisher made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
A $40,000 non-repayable contribution to Senobe Aquatic Club will support the installation of new windows and siding; replacing the facility’s roof; installing ventilation in the boat bays; and conducting exterior painting on the boat bays and shed.
A $20,500 non-repayable contribution to Banook Canoe Club—one of the oldest paddling clubs in Canada—will help preserve the organization’s historic clubhouse. The upgrades include: repairing and re-shingling the roof; replacing a retaining wall; fixing water damage; improving the wheelchair access ramp; and conducting exterior painting to the building.
A $20,250 non-repayable contribution will allow the Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club to purchase and install an energy efficient heating system. The new system will be in place this fall and is expected to lower the Club’s overall operating costs.
A $5,250 non-repayable contribution will allow the Abenaki Aquatic Club to make upgrades to its clubhouse including: replacing a beach wall; and making repairs to the grounds, walkways, and basketball bleachers.
Each of these clubs offers a variety of programs and services that are highly valued by members of the community. The improvements will ensure the long-term sustainability of the facilities and ensure that each organization can continue to provide a quality experience to its members, promote active living in the Dartmouth area, and continue to increase its membership. All of these clubs have produced successful athletes who have competed in world-class canoe and kayaking championships, including today’s Nationals, the Pan Am Games and the Olympics.
Quotes
“Investing in facilities such as these not only attract national competitors, but also their coaches, families and friends, who spend time in our community, taking in the races and everything our region has to offer. These aquatic clubs promote physical activity that caters to all ages and abilities, from beginner programming to competitive training. Together, these projects build on the Government of Canada’s commitment to economic growth in Atlantic Canada through infrastructure improvements to recreational facilities.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Today’s investment in outdoor recreational infrastructure helps to ensure that four respected Dartmouth community groups will continue to grow and prosper. Visitors and residents alike, whether they are training competitively or discovering canoeing or kayaking as a new activity, will enjoy the refurbished facilities as they pursue active living on the waters of Lake Banook.”
- Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth- Cole Harbour
"It's through improvements like these that we can help to build active-lifestyle opportunities for children now as well as investing in infrastructure for the future. By offering financial support in this manner, the federal government allows non-profits to play a vital and continuing role in their communities."
- Jason Ralph, Property Chair, Abenaki Aquatic Club
“Banook Canoe Club was established in 1903. Since the beginning Banook has been a deep part of Dartmouth’s history. As one of the premier paddling clubs in Canada, Banook hosts a broad range of community events, offers recreational and competitive paddling and has had great success in the sport locally, nationally and at World Championships. We are extremely appreciative of the support from ACOA through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The funding will help preserve our historic club house and the role it plays in stewardship of an active community and on the lake. “
- Ian Lezama, President, Banook Canoe Club
“Senobe Aquatic Club greatly appreciates this support from the Government of Canada through ACOA. This year we are 51 years strong, during which time we have seen thousands of families enjoy the sport of paddling. Along the way we have helped build a healthy community and produced many world class paddlers. Our sport truly is a lifelong activity enjoyed by people six to 60 plus, and thanks to this funding we are well on our way to have another fifty years of building a healthier community through sport, fun, and recreation.”
- Troy Myers, Commodore, Senobe Aquatic Club
“Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club is extremely pleased to partner with the Government of Canada in this exciting opportunity. This funding will go towards our ongoing projects surrounding energy efficiency for our club, which in turn benefits all of our members and the environment.”
- Phil McNulty, President, Mic Mac Amateur Aquatics Club
Associated Links
- Abenaki Aquatic Club Website
- Banook Canoe Club Website
- Senobe Aquatic Club Website
- Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club Website
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Nancy Letchford
Commodore
Abenaki Aquatic Club
902-430-2874 (cell)
E-mail: nancy.letch@gmail.com
Mike McMurray
Member
Banook Canoe Club
902-221-0803 (cell)
E-mail: mcmurray@ns.sympatico.ca
Troy Myers
Commodore
Senobe Aquatic Centre
902-527-6776 (cell)
E-mail: troymyers7@gmail.com
Phil McNulty
President
Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club
902-464-9480 (office)
E-mail: admin@micmacaac.ca
Background:
The CIP150 is providing up to $300 million nationally over two years to support projects to rehabilitate, renovate and expand community and recreational infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s activities to honour Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. The program is expected to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments, build community-based partnerships, while supporting the Government’s priorities to promote a clean-growth economy and ensure a better future for Indigenous peoples.
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