Saint Andrews will benefit from new wellness park to help bring people back to public spaces safely

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

July 13, 2022 · St. Andrews, New Brunswick · 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 Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced an investment of $70,294 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for Saint Andrews Outdoor Recreation and Trails Inc. The Town of Saint Andrews also announced a $23,432 contribution towards the project.

This support will allow the organization to create a wellness park with eight exercise stations in Saint Andrews. The park will improve community access to outdoor recreation and enhance health and wellness for all ages and levels of mobility.

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 New Brunswick are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared outdoor spaces like this wellness park in Saint Andrews will help revitalize local economies, boost tourism, create jobs, and give residents a place to come together safely.”

-        The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“As an Age-Friendly Community, it is important that we strive to develop free accessible recreation options for our residents and visitors. Recreation is the cornerstone to breaking barriers and developing opportunities for inclusion, exercise, learning, and socialization. Through our strong partnership with the Canadian Government, the Saint Andrews Outdoor Recreation and Trails Inc, and the Town of Saint Andrews, we are able to provide this new recreation and social asset to our community.”

-        David Johnson, President, Saint Andrews Outdoor Recreation and Trails Inc.  

Quick facts

  • The Saint Andrews Outdoor Recreation and Trails Inc. (SORTI) mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of the community and improve access to the outdoors for people of all ages and abilities.

  • Since its incorporation, Saint Andrews Outdoor Recreation and Trails Inc. (SORTI) has added 600m of paved accessible trails and has built a wheelchair-friendly bird watching platform.

  • 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

Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Ann.kenney@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

David Johnson
President
Saint Andrews Outdoor Recreation and Trails Inc.
sortitrails@gmail.com
506-529-8699

Stay connected

Follow ACOA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Page details

Date modified: