Plymouth will benefit from accessibility upgrades to help bring people back to public spaces safely

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Photo on the left: The Plymouth Community Centre before renovations. Photo on the right: The Plymouth Community Centre following accessibility upgrades, showing new covered access ramp.

February 23, 2022 · Plymouth, 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, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, announced an investment of $33,587 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the Plymouth Community and Recreation Association. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support allowed the Plymouth Community & Recreation Association to replace the main entrance doors of the Plymouth Community Centre with wider, electric-operated doors, install a roof over the existing access ramp, and improve drainage at entrance areas. The upgrades will increase accessibility and ensure safety for users.

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 Plymouth Community Centre 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

“We are pleased to support the volunteers of the Plymouth Community Centre who continue to dedicate their time and talents to achieve their vision of an accessible and sustainable hub for community activities.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Central Nova

Quick facts

  • The Plymouth Community Centre was originally a school that closed in the mid-1970s. The Plymouth Community and Recreation Association bought the building and now hosts community events including youth, adult and senior recreation and social events, public meetings, community concerts and dances.

  • 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

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

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

Andy Thompson 
Councillor, District 11 
Municipality of Pictou County
902-754-0101
Andy.Thompson@munpict.ca

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