Digby and Bear River to Benefit from Facility Upgrades

Government of Canada Supports Infrastructure Improvements at Digby’s Downtown Promenade, Digby Community Swimming Pool, and Bear River Community Greenhouse and Waterfront Park

October 21, 2016 – Digby, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, today announced contributions to three projects in Digby County totaling $100,644 through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150). MP Fraser 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 $52,220 non-repayable contribution supports the Town of Digby as it completes improvements to its downtown promenade, including renovations to the sidewalk, deck and railing; the addition of new outdoor furniture; and, a water bottle refilling station. The revitalized infrastructure will create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors. The Town of Digby is investing $137,827 in the project.

A $35,998 non-repayable contribution supports the Digby Area Recreation Commission as it performs upgrades to the Digby Community Swimming Pool, including repairs to the filtrations system and efficiency upgrades to the wading and main pools. Improved pool facilities will promote the health of the community, and sustainable community development through sporting events and gatherings. Additional support for the project includes $15,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, and $9,800 from the local Digby Dolphins Swim Team.

A $12,426 non-repayable contribution supports the Bear River Board of Trade as it rehabilitates an existing glass structure into a community greenhouse, and upgrades landscaping to beautify the waterfront park. The project will create an enhanced place for tourists to stop, as well as a location for community events to take place. Additional support for the project includes $2,500 from the Municipality of the County of Annapolis.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in community infrastructure improvements in Digby and Annapolis Counties as part of a nation-wide focus on improving the communities in which we live, work, and play. Healthy communities are a large part of our focus as the government works to renovate, expand, and improve existing community, cultural and recreational infrastructure.” 

-       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Digby and Bear River are fortunate to have spaces like the downtown promenade, the community swimming pool, and the community greenhouse and waterfront park, which provide a variety of benefits not only for tourism and recreation, but also for the wellbeing of residents. These facilities support opportunity and growth by providing places for people to come together, share ideas and be active.”

-       Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova

“The promenade renovation started out as a replacement project, but with ACOA’s support, we were able to enhance the space, update the design and make the promenade a more user-friendly place for residents and visitors to our area. We are pleased and honored to be able to celebrate Canada’s 150^th anniversary with such a beautiful setting to comfortably enjoy the view of the basin and outdoor events.”

-       Ben Cleveland, Mayor, Town of Digby

“We are very proud of the quality of recreational programming that we provide in our community. The upgrades to the community swimming pool result in an improved level of sport and recreational offerings. This contribution by the Government of Canada, announced today, is generously complemented by funding through the department of Communities, Culture and Heritage and the fundraising efforts of our own Digby Dolphins swim team.  Through these exemplary examples of partnership, we will continue to provide accessible opportunities for outdoor recreation, health promotion, and community and economic development.”

-       Bob Powell, Recreation Manager, Digby Area Recreation Commission

‘’On behalf of the Community Greenhouse and Waterfront Gardens committee, I would like to thank ACOA for this support. Not only will this investment enable us to repurpose existing infrastructure for community use, it will also create a community gathering space for learning, growing and accessing healthy foods, and beautifying the waterfront area for the people who live, work and play in our community.”

-       Carol Dibble, Co-Chair, Bear River Community Greenhouse and Waterfront Gardens Committee

“By supporting projects like the Digby swimming pool, we are helping to build the infrastructure for a strong and vibrant community. Our funding will make it easier for families to enjoy their community and participate in healthy, active lifestyles.”

-       Gordon Wilson, Nova Scotia MLA for Clare-Digby, on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister, Tony Ince

Associated Links

• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
• Town of Digby
• Digby Area Recreation Commission
• Bear River Community Greenhouse and Waterfront Park  

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

Tom Ossinger
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Digby
(902) 245-4740 (work)
E-mail: eossinger@digby.ca

Bob Powell
Recreation Manager
Digby Area Recreation Commission
(902) 245-1884
E-mail: bobp@ns.aliantzinc.ca

Carol Dibble
Co-Chair
Bear River Community Greenhouse and Waterfront Gardens Committee
E-mail: cdibble@bellaliant.net

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 150^th 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.