Dartmouth benefits from trail upgrades to help bring people back to public spaces safely
News release
Government of Canada fueling community revitalization and creating the conditions for the local economy to thrive
November 9, 2022 · Dartmouth, NS · 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 $50,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the Halifax Regional Municipality. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
This support enabled the municipality to upgrade areas of PO2 Craig Blake Memorial Park in Dartmouth. Improvements included widening and repaving portions of the park’s asphalt trail system, and removing aging infrastructure like chain linked fencing and the sump pump pit. This project has helped make the park a safer, more accessible, and attractive space where people can gather, socialize and stay healthy.
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 in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared public spaces like Craig Blake Memorial Park in Dartmouth helps revitalize local economies, boosts tourism, and gives residents a place to come together safely.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Petty Officer Second Class Craig Blake represented the very best that Canadians have to offer. His volunteerism and love for our community will never be forgotten. Every Remembrance Day, we gather at Craig Blake Memorial Park to honour and remember him. This year, we’ll be surrounded by improvements to his memorial park, knowing that more folks in our community can access and enjoy it for years to come.”
- Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour
“This memorial park is a treasured part of our community, honouring the life and service of Petty Officer Second Class Craig Blake. I am pleased to see this new investment which I know will be appreciated by the many residents who enjoy spending time in the park.”
- Mike Savage, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality
Quick facts
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In 2013, the park was renamed in honour of Craig Blake, a Canadian navy diver who died while serving in Afghanistan.
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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
Ryan Nearing
Public Affairs Advisor
Halifax Regional Municipality
Ryan.nearing@halifax.ca
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