Pugwash Benefitting from Community Infrastructure Improvements

Government of Canada Supports Municipality of the County of Cumberland, Northumberland Community Curling Club, Northumberland Golf Club and Pugwash Legion

December 20, 2016 – Pugwash, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester, today announced contributions totalling $139,375, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)’s Business Development Program (BDP) and the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150), to upgrade community infrastructure in Pugwash. MP Casey made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

A $60,000 non-repayable BDP contribution supports the Municipality of the County of Cumberland as it undertakes detailed design and costing to develop the Pugwash Waterfront. This work will facilitate significant future infrastructure investments, including a multipurpose centre, trails, extended boardwalks, sidewalks and a harbour centre. The project will generate growth in the tourism sector, increase foot traffic in the downtown core and promote a long-term increase in people choosing Pugwash as a place to live and do business. Additional support for the project includes $50,000 from the Municipality and $15,000 from the Village of Pugwash.

A $47,625 CIP150 contribution supports the Northumberland Community Curling Club as it completes energy efficiency and physical upgrades to the Curling Club. This includes an automated heating and humidity control system, energy-efficient LED lights, fire-resistant steel siding, upgrades to ice and lounge areas and resurfacing a portion of the parking area with asphalt pavement. The project will help the Club provide an even higher-calibre recreational experience for all who enjoy the facility, such as members, local schools and the Sunset Adult Residential Centre Program. Additional support for the project includes $51,260 from the Northumberland Community Curling Club.

A $24,250 CIP150 contribution supports the Northumberland Golf Club (Northumberland Links) as it completes renovations to the lower level of its clubhouse. The project includes improved lighting, updated public washrooms, improved exterior signage and the addition of barrier-free access to the main entrance. Northumberland Links attracts visitors from near and far and hosts community social and cultural events at its clubhouse such as dinner theatres, an annual fashion show, and meetings. Additional support for the project includes $48,000 from the Northumberland Golf Club.

A $7,500 CIP150 contribution supports the Royal Canadian Legion, Peace Branch 60 (Pugwash Legion) as it repairs its roof. Through this project, the Legion will replace its asphalt shingles with durable metal roofing. The contribution helps the Legion remain sustainable for community events such as meetings, Remembrance Day services, emergency measures training, youth programming, community suppers, and fundraisers. Additional support for the project includes $7,750 from the Municipality of the County of Cumberland.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada recognizes that investing in community infrastructure is necessary to strengthen the middle class and provide communities with the building blocks they need to support a high standard of living for all Canadians and their families. Together with its partners, the Government of Canada will make investments to build smart, strong and sustainable communities and prepare us all for a prosperous future.” 

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

“Pugwash and area’s more than 60 volunteer organizations rely on community infrastructure like rinks, legions and parks to deliver high-quality experiences to the people they serve. By working together, through projects like these, we will continue to provide high-quality recreational, educational and social experiences to residents and visitors, contributing to the wellbeing of the community.”

     - Bill Casey, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester

“I believe that the funding announcements made here today will provide great upgrades to three facilities and help the Pugwash Waterfront Development Project move along towards its long term goal.”

     - Allison Gillis, Warden, Municipality of the County of Cumberland

"This is wonderful for our Club. The proposed improvements will help sustain the spirit of volunteerism which has been the driving force behind our highly successful community curling club. We look forward to being a viable recreational center for years to come."

     - Richard Gray, Chair, Long Range Planning Committee, Northumberland Community Curling Club

“The CIP150 contribution will allow Northumberland Golf Club to upgrade the clubhouse so that the facility can continue to be a strong anchor tourism operator for the Pugwash area and remain a vibrant community gathering centre for club members and the general public for various social events.”

     - Liz Roscoe, President, Northumberland Golf Club

“The Pugwash Legion is of great importance to this community, as well as Wallace, Westchester and Wentworth. It is the gathering place for community meetings and the venue for social and fundraising activities. Upgrading the Legion’s roof has breathed new life into the building, ensuring it can safely serve our patrons through the variety of programs and services we offer here.”

     - Maggie Stone, President, Royal Canadian Legion, Peace Branch 60 – Pugwash

Associated Links

• Municipality of the County of Cumberland Website
• Northumberland Community Curling Club Website
• Northumberland Community Curling Club Facebook Page
• Northumberland Golf Club Website
• Northumberland Golf Club Facebook Page
• Pugwash Legion Facebook Page
• Village of Pugwash Website
• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

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

Michelle Byers
Community Economic Development Coordinator
Municipality of the County of Cumberland
Phone: 902-297-2765 (cell)
Email: mbyers@cumberlandcounty.ns.ca 

Richard Gray
Chair, Long Range Planning Committee
Northumberland Community Curling Club
Phone: 902-243-3105 / 902-694-0456 (cell)
Email: jeangray@ns.sympatico.ca

John Mills
Manager
Northumberland Golf Club
Phone: 902-243-2119 / 902-694-6969 (cell)
Email: jwmills@ns.sympatico.ca

Maggie Stone
President
Royal Canadian Legion, Peace Branch 60 - Pugwash
Phone: 902-243-2754

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.