Community Projects in Cumberland County to Receive Upgrades

Government of Canada supports improvements to The Cumberland Snowmobile Club, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 and The Lions Club of Oxford

December 19, 2016 – Amherst, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

 Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester, today announced contributions totalling $91,600, under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150), to enhance three community infrastructure projects in Cumberland County. Today’s announcement was made 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 $70,000 contribution to the Cumberland Snowmobile Club supports a number of upgrades to its 510-kilometre trail system. In addition to the installation of safety and directional signage, the addition of a warming shelter and overall enhancements to sightlines, other specific upgrades include:

• the replacement of the Bass River bridge located on trail #3 between Springhill and Five Islands;
• improvements  to a seven-kilometre section of trail #366 from Amherst through to Fort Lawrence;
• improvements to a three-kilometre section along the route from Amherst to Tidnish;
• improvements to a 200-metre section adjacent to the Tyndal Road (route #366);
• improvements to a ten-kilometre section that connects the Trans-Canada Trail from the Town of Oxford traveling north toward New Brunswick; and
• improvements to short sections in the Economy, Five Islands and Bass River areas (trails #104, 2 and 3).

Since the early 1970s, this volunteer-led Club has been building its network, grooming trails and enhancing amenities for users. This project will ensure these outdoor recreation opportunities remain available, safe and user-friendly for residents and visitors to enjoy. Additional support for this initiative includes a $103,000 contribution from Trans Canada Trail, $10,000 from the Snowmobile Association of Nova Scotia, $17,350 from the Municipality of the County of Cumberland, and $5,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia through Communities, Culture and Heritage.

A $12,600 contribution to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 10 (Amherst Legion) supported necessary repairs to secure the building’s roof. Project activities included replacing several rafters; reinstalling insulation, a vapour barrier, and strapping; replacing ceiling tiles; and, installing new lighting. This project maintains the sustainability of the Amherst Legion so it can continue to host community events such as Remembrance Day services, meetings, fundraisers, community suppers and a variety of other public functions. The project was also supported by a $12,600 investment from the Municipality of the County of Cumberland.

A $9,000 contribution to The Lions Club of Oxford supported the replacement of the Lions’ Community Centre roof. This project reinforced the structural integrity of the building by replacing the asphalt-shingled roof with a metal roof. This key piece of community infrastructure plays an integral role in the social and economic well-being of Oxford and the surrounding areas by providing residents and businesses with space to host meetings, fundraisers, recreation activities, and private functions. Additional project support included $9,085 from The Lion’s Club of Oxford.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to help revitalize these community facilities in Cumberland County through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. These projects are only a few examples of how this program aims to boost community-based partnerships, while supporting the Government of Canada’s priority to secure a better future for all Canadians.”

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

“In winter this part of Nova Scotia becomes a destination for snowmobilers from around the Maritimes. The beautiful woods trails that are maintained by the Cumberland Snowmobile Club are an attraction for tourists and important recreational infrastructure for our own residents. I am very pleased that the Federal Government can make a contribution to this sector through its 150th anniversary program.”

-       Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester  

“We are extremely pleased that the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of our multi-use trail system. Opportunities for recreational activity in Cumberland County are increasing all the time, and this will certainly take some of the workload off our hard-working volunteers. With the completion of the Trans Canada Trail, Cumberland County is poised to be one of the premiere snowmobile destinations in Nova Scotia.”

-       Andrew Wallis, Grooming and Trail Development, Cumberland Snowmobile Club

“The Government of Canada investment helped our Legion, of approximately 200 members, continue to provide invaluable services to our Veterans, their families, our members and community. Our building was badly in need of repairs and thanks to the funding, our building is now safe and looks great.”

-       Roy Porter, President, Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 10

“The Oxford Lions Club is approaching 60 years of community service. The construction of our community hall was an important milestone to our Club and has been utilized for adult education, fundraisers, community meetings, Guides, public health, emergency preparedness, community recreation, youth fitness, civic functions and community celebrations. The Government of Canada funding will ensure residents and visitors can continue to utilize this valuable infrastructure for another 30 years, and we can continue our goal of “SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY.”   

-       Scott Redmond, The Lions Club of Oxford

Associated Links 

• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
• Oxford Lions Club
• Cumberland Snowmobile Club
• Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #10

 Contacts

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: alex.smith@canada.ca

Scott Redmond
Club President
Oxford Lions Club
Phone: 902-447-2259
Email: michelle_scott_@msn.com

Andrew Wallis
Grooming and Trail Development
Cumberland Snowmobile Club
Phone: 902-669-1191
Email: wallis@eastlink.ca

Roy Porter
President
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #10
Phone: 902-667-8487
Email: ringer.46@hotmail.com

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.