Cape Breton community works together to restore and revitalize green space

News release

Government of Canada supports inclusive, family-friendly recreation hub

March 16, 2023 · Howie Centre, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community green 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 strength 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 a non-repayable investment of $55,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for the Howie Centre Recreation Association (HCRA). The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will help the HCRA turn an underutilized park into the Howie Centre Community Hub, a shared recreation space for people of all ages and mobility levels. Two outdoor playground areas will be installed, including one designed for toddlers. The existing walking path will also be restored and extended.

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 the Community Hub in Howie Centre gives people welcoming places where they can gather safely to play, learn and socialize.”

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

“The Howie Centre Community Hub will be a place where children, families and individuals can have fun and stay healthy in a safe and inclusive outdoor setting. The HCRA worked together with friends and neighbours to create a space that meets many needs. It is that community collaboration, as well as the newly-revitalized park, that the Government of Canada is proud to support.”

-       Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso

“HCRA is very appreciative of the Federal Government’s contribution to the new Howie Centre Community Hub. This contribution will take us to the next phase of development, enhancing the playground project and adding a thousand feet to the walking track. Now is the time for communities to come together again and revitalize community spaces. The contributions from all levels of government and local sponsors will ensure this park welcomes all generations for years to come.”

-       Evan McNeil, President, Howie Centre Recreation Association (HCRA) 

Quick facts

  • The Howie Centre Recreation Association is a not-for-profit organization. Its main objective is to restore and revitalize recreational spaces within the community, to promote physical activity and to provide safe, inclusive and quality spaces for families.

  • The new recreation space will also serve the nearby communities along Route 4 and Sydney River.

  • This is the first phase of upgrades to the park. Next, the HCRA plans to add sports courts, a gazebo, and additional lighting.

  • 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. 
  • 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.

  • 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

Evan McNeil
President
Howie Centre Recreation Association
EvanJMcNeil@gmail.com

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

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