Cape Breton Regional Municipality will benefit from new accessible park to help bring people back to public spaces safely

News release

Government of Canada fueling community revitalization and creating the conditions for local economies to thrive as they rebound from the effects of COVID-19

December 23, 2021 · Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today, Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney—Victoria, announced an investment of $75,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The support will allow Cape Breton Regional Municipality to construct an accessible pump track. This park will feature small humps and banked turns for pedal bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades and wheelchairs. Users can ride the track by pumping their body up and down to gain momentum and maintain speed. Pump tracks are becoming increasingly popular in parks around the world among users of all skill levels.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The Fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. As public health restrictions ease, the Government of Canada remains committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This in turn will stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared public spaces like Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s pump track helps revitalize local economies, boosts tourism, creates jobs, and gives residents a place to come together safely.”
-     The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“I’m thrilled to see this project, a grass-roots, local initiative championed by Kail Dutt and other youth from our communities going forward. It’s another great example of collaboration between our government and the municipality. We’ve all seen over the past two years how important it is for children to have accessible, outdoor spaces for a healthy lifestyle.”
-     Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney—Victoria

Quick facts

  • CCRF funding will support two major streams of activity:

    o   adapt community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,

    o   build or improve community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions. 

  • Eligible recipients will include not-for-profit organizations; rural, municipal or regional governments; Indigenous groups and communities; and public sector bodies that provide municipal-type infrastructure. 

  • Priority may be given to projects that encourage the participation of underrepresented groups and take into consideration the unique challenges of rural and remote communities. 

  • For more information on the application process, eligibility criteria and eligible expenses, or to apply for the CCRF, reach out to your regional development agency.

  • Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery in the region. Application intake is open through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, Jobs and Growth Fund, Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative and Tourism Relief Fund.

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Contacts

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
catherine.mounier-desrochers@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Chris Brooks
Communications Director, Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
chris.brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Christina Lamey
Communications Officer
Cape Breton Regional Municipality
902-574-0178
clamey@cbrm.ns.ca

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