Port Hawkesbury will benefit from food bank renovations 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 30, 2021 · Port Hawkesbury, 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, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, announced an investment of $144,438 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the Town of Port Hawkesbury and the Port Hawkesbury Food Bank Society. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will allow the Port Hawkesbury Food Bank Society to carry out renovations to accommodate safe social distancing. Renovations include changes to the washrooms, entrance and exit doorways; the installation of new refrigeration units, roofing and eavestroughs; and a wheelchair ramp to make the space more accessible. Façade improvements will also be made to provide more privacy and protection for the food bank’s clients. An added benefit of the exterior changes is the building will integrate with its surroundings as part of the community’s waterfront revitalization.

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 the Port Hawkesbury Food Bank Society in the Town of Port Hawkesbury 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 so proud to be part of a Government that understands the importance of supporting infrastructure projects for grassroots, community organizations like the Port Hawkesbury Food Bank Society. Not only will this funding support the Food Bank’s expansion and renovation, but it will also be critical in the Food Bank’s efforts to improve food security in Port Hawkesbury and surrounding communities.”
-     Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso

Quick facts

  • The Port Hawkesbury Food Bank Society has operated as a non-profit since 1991. There are presently 20 individuals volunteering with the organization, which supports an average of 35 people weekly. Families with children also receive items for school lunches.

  • 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.

Associated links

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

Natasha Kochhar
Parliamentary Assistant
Office of Mike Kelloway, MP
Cape Breton-Canso
902-577-3299

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

Gordie Snook
Manager of Facilities and Operations
902-625-7037
gsnook@townofph.ca

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