East Dartmouth BGC will benefit from a new outdoor space 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
October 17, 2022 · Dartmouth, 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, Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, announced an investment of $75,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for BGC Greater Halifax Clubs. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This support helped the not-for-profit build an outdoor terrace at the East Dartmouth Community Centre, home of the East Dartmouth BGC. The terrace has accessible pathways, trees, plants, tables, benches and a painted mural. It provides space for more diverse programming and a safe place to spend time outside. The terrace also has electric lighting, charging stations and wifi to provide youth and the broader community access to technology. The centre is used by many community groups in addition to the BGC, all of which will benefit from an accessible, comfortable, outdoor place to come together and connect.
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. The Government of Canada is committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.
Quotes
“Strong, vibrant communities Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared spaces like the BGC in East Dartmouth helps revitalize local economies and gives residents a place to come together safely.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“I firmly believe in the importance of investing in good local projects that make Dartmouth—Cole Harbour more vibrant and more enjoyable. This investment in support of the East Dartmouth BGC helped build a beautiful outdoor space at the East Dartmouth Community Centre for our kids and our community to enjoy. This safe and accessible outdoor space in East Dartmouth will benefit our community for years to come!”
- Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour
Quick facts
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BGC Greater Halifax Clubs (formerly known as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Halifax) offers a range of programs that serve children, youth and families from a broad spectrum of backgrounds. They help more than 3,700 kids annually.
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Many people rely on public facilities like community centres to access the internet. Many public facilities closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for more accessible, outdoor public wifi and device-charging areas, where the community can safely connect.
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The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports two major streams of activity:
- adapting community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,
- building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions.
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Application intake for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund is now closed. If you have a pending application, please contact your account manager for more information.
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Canada’s regional development agencies are continuing to deliver targeted support for economic recovery. Application intake is open through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for the Jobs and Growth Fund, the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, and the 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
Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Tracy Durkee-Jones
CEO
BGC Greater Halifax Clubs
902-435-9916
Tracy.Durkee-Jones@bhcgh.ca
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