Two Vibrant Facilities in Mahone Bay Refreshed with CIP150 Support

Government of Canada Supports Infrastructure Improvements at Jubilee Park and the Mahone Bay Centre

January 20, 2017 – Mahone Bay, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margarets, today announced contributions totaling $33,200 for completion of infrastructure upgrades to two Mahone Bay locations through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150). MP Jordan 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 $20,250 contribution supports the Town of Mahone Bay as it enhances the attraction of Jubilee Park through the addition of a natural playground. Project activities include earth work, sodding, and planting; the installation of a sandbox, wood tunnel, balance area, climbing boulders, and a central earth mound; edging and borders; as well as upgrades to the Jubilee Park entrance.

In addition to making the outdoor space more attractive for families, residents and visitors, the upgrades are designed to encourage children of all ages and abilities to use their imaginations and creativity while connecting with nature. Additional support for the project includes $19,000 from the Town of Mahone Bay, $18,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, and $3,000 from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.

A $12,950 contribution supports the Mahone Bay Centre Society as it purchases and installs a more efficient, cost-effective boiler for its hot water heating system. The Centre’s main building is a former school, which is a 102 year-old heritage building. The installation of a new boiler will support a longer-term solution to the Centre’s heating needs and will result in five to ten percent savings in annual heating costs.

The Mahone Bay Centre is the community centre for the local area and hosts a variety of cultural, recreational, learning, business and social events, clubs and programs. Additional support for the project includes a $17,700 contribution from the Mahone Bay Centre Society, which was raised through facility rentals, member donations and community fundraising activities.

MP Jordan will be speaking at the grand opening of the Mahone Bay Centre on January 24, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate extensive renovations previously completed to the Centre.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects, such as those in Mahone Bay, that revitalize community infrastructure through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. By investing in public infrastructure, we are contributing to the growth and strengthening of our community spaces and improving the health, well-being, and quality of life of Canadians and their families.”

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

“Jubilee Park and the Mahone Bay Centre are much-loved and well-used infrastructure resources that are obviously cherished by the community. These upgrades will ensure community members continue to have places to create memories, kindle creativity and generate ideas.”

     - Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margarets

“The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is happy to provide funding to the natural playground in the Town of Mahone Bay. Investing in regional recreation infrastructure is not only beneficial to our residents, but helps to sustain vibrant and healthy communities. We need our families to get outdoors more and providing recreation opportunities like the natural playground makes it a little easier to make that choice to get outside and play! This project was primarily driven by volunteers and the community and fit well with the Municipality’s philosophy of In the Community, For the Community, By the Community.”  

     - Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Mayor, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg

“The Town of Mahone Bay is proud to work with the federal and provincial governments to encourage citizens of all ages to get involved in their community. Enhancing the sustainability of the Mahone Bay Centre, always at The Heart of Our Community, and the opportunity to Let Your Imagination Run Wild at the Natural Playground are tangible examples of the inclusiveness of the Mahone Bay Age Friendly Community Philosophy.”

     - David Devenne, Mayor, Town of Mahone Bay

"The Mahone Bay Centre greatly appreciates the financial assistance provided by ACOA to enable us to make this environmentally and financially responsible replacement of our 28 year-old defective boiler. The up-front cost differential will be recovered in six to eight years of fuel savings and will pay dividends thereafter for the remaining life of the boiler. It is a sound investment in our future."     

     - Michael Saker, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mahone Bay Centre Society

Associated Links

• Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
• Jubilee Park, Mahone Bay
• Mahone Bay Centre
• Town of Mahone Bay

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 

Lisa Jarrett
Media Relations Advisor
Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage
Phone: 902-424-0281 / 902-717-4199 (cell)
E-mail: Lisa.Jarrett@novascotia.ca 

Trudy Payne
Director of Recreation Services
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
Phone: 902-541-1333
E-mail: Trudy.payne@modl.ca 

David Devenne
Mayor
Town of Mahone Bay
Phone: 902-521-5650
E-mail: david.devenne@townofmahonebay.ca 

Michael Saker
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Mahone Bay Centre Society
Phone: 902-531-2163 / 902-521-4800 (cell)
E-mail: msaker@eastlink.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.